5 Most affordable EVs in South Africa in 2026 [Update]

With the increase in local fuel prices, we’ve rounded up the five most affordable EVs currently available in SA.

If you’re in the market for a value-oriented EV, especially when considering the continued rise in petrol and diesel prices, we have taken a closer look at the most affordable EVs available in South Africa as of August 2026. See the list below…

5. Dayun S5 — from R399 900

Dayun S5

Image: Dayun

Introduced to our market in July 2025, the Dayun S5 lineup is priced from a hair below R400 000. This emissions-free city car is equipped with a 31.7 kWh battery, which offers a claimed range of 330 km, and an electric motor that produces 35 kW and 105 N.m.

4. Chery Q — R349 900

2026 Chery Q front

Image: Peet Mocke

Priced from R349 900, the Chery Q, which we sampled for a first drive in Cape Town ahead of its local launch, misses out on a podium spot on this list…by just R900! Available in Comfort (R349 900) and Elite (R389 900) specification, the Q exclusively employs a single, rear-mounted electric motor producing 90 kW and 115 N.m. The Chinese automaker claims an operating range of up to 400 km from the Q’s 42.7 kWh battery.

3. Dongfeng Box — from R349 000

Donfeng Box

Image: Donfeng

The Dongfeng Box arrived in South Africa in November 2025. The Box is powered by a single, front-mounted electric motor producing 70 kW and 160 N.m. The entry-level variant is equipped with a 32.6 kWh battery, which offers a claimed operating range of 330 km of range on a single, full charge. A larger, 43.9 kWh battery is also available and offers a claimed 430 km of range.

2. BYD Dolphin Surf — from R341 900

BYD Dolphin Surf Dynamic front

Image: Peet Mocke

The local BYD Dolphin Surf range comprises the Comfort and Dynamic spec. The latter is equipped with a 30 kWh offering a claimed operating range of 232 km, while the Dynamic’s larger, 38.8 kWh item provides a claimed 295 km. The Dolphin Surf produces 55 kW.

1. Geely E2 — from R339 900

Geely E2 front

Image: Geely

The most affordable EV in SA comes in the shape of the Geely E2. The E2, which arrived in our market in mid-April 2026, employs a single electric motor, fed by a 39.4 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, producing 85 kW and 150 N.m. The battery offers a claimed range of 325 km when fully charged.

Click here to browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag!

The post 5 Most affordable EVs in South Africa in 2026 [Update] appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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