BYD Poised to Revolutionize South African Electric Vehicle Market with Nine New Models

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant, BYD, is set to shake up the South African car market with an ambitious plan to launch nine new models in the next year. This rollout will see BYD’s current lineup of two vehicles expand to a total of 11 by the end of 2025. The brand, which is already the second-largest seller of fully electric cars globally, is making significant strides in regions outside its home market of China, including South Africa.

BYD’s Expansion Beyond China

BYD is rapidly gaining recognition beyond its Chinese borders. Despite being a relatively new name in the South African market, the brand has already established a strong presence in key regions like Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South America. It ranks second in global electric car sales, trailing only Tesla, although that gap is closing as BYD aggressively expands internationally.

In the second quarter of 2024, BYD sold an impressive 426,039 fully-electric cars worldwide, marking a year-on-year growth of 21%. Meanwhile, Tesla’s sales only grew by 5% in the same period, with 18,000 more units than BYD. However, unlike Tesla, BYD also offers plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which appeal to a different segment of the market. Including PHEVs, BYD’s total Q2 2024 sales approached 1 million units, making it the world’s largest new energy vehicle maker.

Affordable EVs in South Africa

BYD made its South African debut in mid-2023 with the launch of the Atto 3, a fully-electric compact SUV priced from R768,000, positioning it as one of the most affordable EVs in the country at the time. Soon after, in the second quarter of 2024, the company launched the Dolphin hatchback, starting from R539,990, making it the cheapest fully-electric car in South Africa, excluding smaller models with limited highway capability.

The company’s third model, the Seal, a mid-sized sedan, is expected to launch in South Africa in October 2024. The Seal, already competing with the Tesla Model 3 in other markets, was recently showcased at the Festival of Motoring in South Africa. Although it’s unclear which specific trims will be available locally, if BYD follows trends seen in Australia, South Africans could expect three versions:

• Seal Dynamic (RWD) – 150kW motor, 61.4kWh battery, 460km range
• Seal Premium (RWD) – 230kW motor, 82.5kWh battery, 570km range
• Seal Performance (AWD) – 390kW motor, 82.5kWh battery, 520km range, 0–100km/h in 3.8 seconds

In Australia, the entry-level Seal Dynamic is priced at AU$49,888 (about R600,000), while the top-end Seal Performance sells for AU$68,748 (roughly R1.23 million). However, given BYD’s price differences between Australia and South Africa, local pricing may be slightly higher. Even so, the Seal is expected to be the most affordable fully-electric sedan in South Africa, where the current cheapest option, the Mercedes-Benz EQE, starts at around R1.72 million.

PHEVs for the Skeptics

For South Africans still hesitant about going fully electric, BYD’s first plug-in hybrid, the Sealion 6 (known as the BYD Song Plus in China), could be a game-changer. Expected to arrive in early 2025, this model comes with a petrol engine and an 18.3kWh battery capable of delivering up to 92km of pure electric driving. Combined with its petrol engine, the Sealion 6 offers over 1,000km on a single charge and refill.

The entry-level Sealion Dynamic model features a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a combined power output of 160kW and 300Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the Premium model delivers 238kW and 550Nm of torque, achieving 0–100km/h in just 5.8 seconds. In Australia, the Dynamic model starts at AU$48,990, roughly equivalent to the Seal pricing, meaning the Sealion could undercut the current most affordable PHEV in South Africa—the BMW X1 PHEV—priced at R1.05 million.

Upcoming Models: Dolphin Mini and Shark PHEV

BYD also has plans to bring more affordable models to South Africa, including the Dolphin Mini (also known as the Seagull in China) and the Shark PHEV bakkie. The Dolphin Mini is BYD’s most affordable electric vehicle, retailing for between R198,354 and R241,146 in China. If the model follows BYD’s pricing trends in South Africa, it could cost between R400,000 and R500,000 locally, making it a competitive option for budget-conscious EV buyers.

The Shark PHEV, a plug-in hybrid bakkie, is expected to attract interest from South African motorists who favour utility vehicles. It boasts a powerful 320kW output and can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.7 seconds. With an all-electric driving range of up to 100km, this bakkie is priced at approximately R1.22 million in Australia, placing it in a competitive space among hybrid bakkies in South Africa.

BYD’s Revolutionary Hybrid Technology

Another model that may find its way to South Africa is the Seal 07 DM-i, which features BYD’s latest hybrid technology. This model is capable of extraordinary fuel efficiency, consuming only 3.4 litres per 100km. Tests have shown the vehicle can travel between 1,800km and 2,400km on a single battery charge and tank refill. With prices ranging from R352,058 to R493,103 in China, the Seal 07 DM-i could become a highly attractive option for South African buyers seeking efficiency and affordability.

Conclusion: A Bold New Era for EVs in South Africa

BYD’s upcoming model rollout could make it a significant player in South Africa’s growing electric vehicle market. By offering a range of affordable, high-quality electric and hybrid vehicles, BYD is poised to challenge other EV brands, including Tesla, in South Africa. With nine new models expected by the end of 2025, South African consumers will soon have more EV choices than ever before.