Stepping Up On EV Growth

The South African electric vehicle (EV) landscape is set to accelerate in 2022 with a slew of new models. But with all its power and load-shedding issues, is South Africa ready?

- By Nafisa Akabor

The South African EV market Is on the fast lane. Audi launched its highly-anticipated electric e-tron range in Cape Town at the end of February, bringing six new additional models to the market.

Mercedes-Benz is slated to bring in at least five EQ models throughout the year, alongside multiple offerings from BMW i and Volvo. These new EV models will more than double the limited selection currently available from Jaguar, Mini, Porsche and BMW.

In addition to its new EVs, Audi is the first manufacturer to roll out high speed 150kW DC chargers that will yield a ±340km range from a 30-minute charge; and fast 80kW DC chargers that yields ±185km within 30 minutes. They will be strategically located at major highways along the N1, N2, N3 and N4. Prior to this, the maximum DC charge rate across SA was 60kW.

Volkswagen has indicated it will bring the ID.4 to SA in 2022 but only for research purposes to gain insights from its customer base. Steffen Knapp, Head of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, tells FORBES AFRICA it has taken a different strategy to its EV rollout in South Africa.