South Africa’s new vehicle market continues its strong upward trajectory, recording 23 consecutive months of year-on-year growth.
However, the real story lies beneath the headline numbers: sales of new-energy vehicles (NEVs) have surged by 88% so far in 2026.
Driven by rising fuel prices and an influx of affordable hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and sub-R350 000 electric cars, local buyers now have more powertrain choices than ever across every price point.
According to Naamsa, The Automotive Business Council, a total of 57 898 new vehicles were sold in August, an increase of 11.4% compared with the same month last year.
It was the 23rd consecutive month of year-on-year growth, with passenger car sales rising by 11.6% to 41 216 units, while light commercial vehicle sales increased by 11% to 13 727.
At the same time, new-energy vehicle sales are growing at a considerably faster rate than the overall market.
More choice at lower prices
One of the most noticeable changes is the number of electrified vehicles now available at more affordable prices.
The Geely E2 with a claimed WLTP range of 325km, is currently priced from R339 900, making it one of the country's most affordable battery-electric vehicles.
BYD's Dolphin Surf starts at R341 900, while the BYD Atto 2 DM-i plug-in hybrid starts at R449 900. The larger Sealion 5 DM-i is priced from R509 900.
Conventional hybrids below R450 000 include Chery's Tiggo 4 Cross HEV starting at R439 900, while the Omoda C5 SHS at R469 900 gives buyers a wider choice.
Consumers looking at a new vehicle, including the locally built Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, in the R350,000 to R500,000 range can now consider petrol-electric, plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles alongside conventional petrol and diesel models.
NEVs are growing quickly
During the first seven months of 2026, South Africa recorded 16 289 NEV sales, an 88% increase over the same period in 2025. That’s already equivalent to 97.5% of all NEVs sold during the whole of 2025.
Of the total NEV sales 8 078, were conventional hybrids, 5 851 were plug-in hybrids and 2 360 were battery-electric vehicles.
These figures therefore show that hybrid technology remains the largest part of South Africa's NEV market, while plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles are also increasing their presence.
The trend is likely to continue as a volatile geo-political climate continues to affect oil prices with South Africa experiencing another significant increase this month.
The hybrid option
The range of NEV technologies gives buyers different ways of introducing electric power into their daily driving.
A conventional hybrid does not need to be plugged in because it combines a petrol engine with an electric motor and battery, with the system managing when each source is used.
A plug-in hybrid can be charged from an external power source and can use its battery for shorter journeys, while retaining a petrol engine for longer trips.
The BYD Atto 2 DM-i, for example, at R449 900 has a claimed electric-only range of 40 kilometres, while the Sealion 5 DM-i starting at R509 900 has a claimed electric range of 52 kilometres.
For those who regularly travel longer distances, a PHEV offers the possibility of using electric power for some daily journeys without relying on public charging infrastructure for longer trips.
BEVs are becoming more accessible
Battery-electric vehicles remain a smaller part of the market, but the number of affordable options has increased significantly.
The Geely E2 is priced from R339 900, while the BYD Dolphin Surf starts at R341 900. The Dongfeng Box has also moved into the same general price territory, while the upcoming Chery Q is expected to enter the market at around R350,000.
There is also an increasing option of electric crossovers and SUVs below R700,000, including the Dongfeng Nammi 06 at R499,900, the iCaur V23 at R519 900 and the GWM Ora 5 at R549 900.
A market with more choices
The latest figures show a South African vehicle market that is growing while also becoming more diverse.
The overall market remains dominated by conventional petrol and diesel vehicles, but electrified alternatives are becoming more available and more affordable.
A buyer with R350,000 can now consider a fully electric vehicle, someone with around R450,000 can choose between conventional hybrids and plug-in hybrids, while the range of electrified SUVs continues to expand above that level.
Although NEV sales remain a relatively small share of the total market, the transition to electrification is taking place across several technologies rather than through a single move from petrol and diesel to battery power.
The latest sales figures show that consumers now have more options to choose from, with price, practicality, running costs and driving requirements all playing a role in deciding which type of vehicle fits their needs.
willem.vdputte@nationalmg.co.za