Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction in South Africa’s used-car market, with a growing number of buyers interested in eco-friendly driving options—especially when they find attractive pricing. Though the selection remains limited due to few automakers offering EVs in the country, premium brands like BMW, Audi, and Volvo lead the charge among used EVs available.
Premium Models Dominate the Market
South Africa’s used EV market is dominated by high-end models, largely from brands such as BMW, Audi, and Jaguar. These EVs typically come with significant price tags, which makes them accessible mainly to high-end buyers. For instance, the BMW iX, a popular choice, averages around R1,362,892. Although the market has yet to see a wider range of EV models, the ones available are in high demand, with many buyers actively seeking deals on used platforms.
Most Popular Used EV Models
AutoTrader’s Mid-Year Car Industry Report on used EV sales in South Africa provides insight into consumer preferences. BMW leads with four spots on the top 10 list, including models like the iX, i3, iX3, and i4. Volvo is another major player, with all three of its electric SUVs—the XC40, EX30, and C40—ranking high in popularity. The BMW i3 ranks as the most affordable model on the list at R524,914, while the Audi e-tron tops the chart at an average price of R1,412,120.
South Africa’s Top Used Electric Cars in 2024
The most popular used EVs by units sold and average price are as follows:
- BMW iX – 37 units, R1,362,892 average price
- Volvo XC40 – 34 units, R1,080,178 average price
- BMW i3 – 31 units, R524,914 average price
- Mini Cooper SE – 22 units, R540,057 average price
- BMW iX3 – 17 units, R1,070,747 average price
- Volvo EX30 – 15 units, R958,043 average price
- Audi e-tron – 12 units, R1,412,120 average price
- Volvo C40 – 12 units, R1,240,223 average price
- Jaguar I-Pace – 12 units, R1,066,527 average price
- BMW i4 – 11 units, R1,283,214 average price
Prospects for Used EVs in South Africa
The used EV market in South Africa is poised to grow, reflecting an increasing interest in sustainable vehicles. As more models become accessible and infrastructure develops, EVs are expected to become a significant part of the secondhand car market, making it easier for South African drivers to opt for greener transportation.