BYD to expand South Africa dealerships

•  BYD operates in a number of African countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, Madagascar, and Ethiopia. 

• The company’s models that are currently on sale in the country are Dolphin Standard Range, Dolphin Extended Range and Atto 3 Extended Range. It is also selling Atto 3 Standard Range, Seal Extended Range and Seal AWD Performance. 

• Our take: As competition in the EV market in South Africa stiffens, competitive pricing of EVs will be decisive in gaining market share… Read more (2 min)

Zimbabwean miner to close $310m lithium deal

• Lithium prices have fallen more than 80% from their November 2022 peak. This was caused by oversupply of the metal and slower-than-expected EV sales.

• However, huge demand forecasts for lithium, which will be driven by increased demand for EVs, has propelled the closure of the Sandawana Mines deal.

• Our take: Additional investments in Zimbabwe by foreign companies will help the country utilise its vast lithium resources. But Zimbabwe must proceed cautiously to get the right price for the in-demand metal… Read more (2 min)

Uganda targets 15,000 e-buses

• The plan aims to produce 1GWh of batteries annually from the local battery manufacturing value chain and establish at least 1 battery recycling plant. Also, it proposes that only electric motorcycles will operate in the Kampala Metropolitan Area by 2026.

• The country’s automotive sector comprises 15% vehicle manufacturing, while 85% accounts for suppliers of spare parts and allied services; thus questioning the viability of these goals if local production will be a priority.

• Our take: Public-private partnerships will be essential to achieve Uganda’s goals of electrifying its mass transit systems… Read more (2 min)