Overview of new EV models launched in Africa

October 21, 2024

From the newsletter

In the past six months, the continent has seen a flurry of new electric cars coming on the market. Global EV makers are in a race to reach African buyers. We review who is competing with which model.

  • Chinese companies are the most prominent among new entrants, even beyond BYD, the industry leader.

  • Published prices suggest that electric car buyers need to spend at least $20,000 for a new vehicle. ARATE PAGE

More details

  • eKamva Electric Minibus Taxi launched in South Africa in October 2024.

  • BYD SEAL launched first in Zambia September 2024 then later to Kenya.

  • BYD ATTO 3 launched first in Rwanda in January 2024, Zambia in July 2024 then in Kenya and Senegal. 

  • BYD Dolphin Mini launched in Senegal in July 2024.

  • Volkswagen ID.4 launched in South Africa in July 2024.

  • BYD Dolphin launched first in South Africa in June 2024 then Zambia, Kenya, and Senegal followed.

  • NETA V launched in Kenya in June 2024.

  • Xpeng EV launched in Egypt in June 2024.

  • Audi Q8 e-tron launched in South Africa in May 2024.

  • Lotus Eletre launched in South Africa in May 2024.

Our take

  • BYD, the Chinese industry giant, is investing heavily in opening showrooms, hiring local sales teams and marketing in more than a dozen countries so far. That’s expensive and suggests a long-term commitment. Signing lease agreements for showrooms and investing in fitting them out to amplify the brand is not something done lightly. 

  • It’s unclear at this stage how much of the rush to market with new models is a function of supply versus demand. This is especially true for Chinese vehicles. They face rising import tariffs in Europe and America. Africa is a second choice as far as markets go. Oversupply is currently fuelling global manufacturer attention in Africa, more than confirmed demand. 

  • The launch bonanza over the past six months is impressive. More EV models have been launched in Africa this year than in all prior years. But this doesn’t yet confirm the trend. Sales is what counts, not launches. We’ll wait to see the numbers for newly registered vehicles.