BYD launches its cheapest car in Africa

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BYD has launched the Dolphin Surf, its cheapest electric car in South Africa. The compact hatchback will sell for less than R 400,000 ($23,200). It is available with two battery options: a 30 kWh unit with a 220 km range and a 38.8 kWh unit with a 295 km range. The car also has vehicle-to-load functionality, allowing owners to use it to charge a variety of external devices.

• At less than R 400,000, it will be one of the cheapest electric cars in South Africa. To earn the title of the cheapest EV in South Africa, the Surf would have to come in cheaper than the Dayun Yuehu S5, which costs R 399,900 ($23,100) for the standard version.  

• A decline in import prices will significantly help retail prices drop in South Africa, where electric car prices remain high due to punitive import taxes. Unlike internal combustion vehicles that attract a 18% duty, full EVs are hit with a 25% tariff, plus ad valorem taxes. 

More details

• Since entering the South African market, BYD has expanded its line-up to more than half a dozen models spanning electrics and hybrids. The line-up includes the compact Atto 3 SUV, the Dolphin hatchback and the Seal electric sedan. In April 2025, BYD added three more models: the offroad-capable Shark 6 bakkie, the plug-in hybrid Sealion 6 and the larger Sealion 7 SUV EV. 

• BYD’s existing models are already among the cheapest in South Africa. For example, the standard range Dolphin costs R 529,900 ($30,700), slightly below the 2025 GMW Ora 03, which costs $539,900 ($31,300).  The company’s more premium models however cost more. The Atto 3 extended range costs R 768,000 ($44,500), while the AWD Seal retails at R 1,185,000 ($68,700). 

• “The launch of the Dolphin Surf marks a pivotal moment for the local EV landscape, as it addresses the key barriers of price and accessibility that have previously limited market growth,” BYD South Africa said in a statement. “With its combination of a competitive price point, practical design and advanced features, the BYD Dolphin Surf is a gamechanger that promises to bring a new wave of drivers into the EV segment.”

• BYD has established a presence in 17 countries and regions across Africa, the most of any EV company. The company's most recent market entry was in Gabon, signaling a continued and strategic expansion across the continent. However, other Chinese companies like Dongfeng, Xpeng and Zeekr are also expanding their footprint in Africa, while Indian firms like Tata and Ashok Leyland are also introducing their EV models. 

• Chinese automakers are introducing several highly affordable electric models, significantly lowering the entry barrier for African consumers. Despite the lower prices, EV prices in Africa have remained stubbornly high due to high taxes. This has also created a major gap in EV prices in different countries on the continent. 

• Despite high prices, the EV market in Africa is growing quite fast. Its value is estimated at $15-20 billion, with projections to reach $30 billion by 2030. The EV charging infrastructure market also shows strong growth. South Africa remains the leader in EV sales on the continent, but sales in Morocco, Ghana, Egypt, Kenya, and Ethiopia are also growing rapidly. 

Our take

• The launch of the BYD Dolphin Surf below the R 400,000 mark is a direct challenge to the current market. This will likely trigger a price war, forcing other manufacturers, especially new entrants from China and India, to either match this price point or offer significantly more features to justify a higher cost. 

• With affordable models now available, the high import duties are becoming a more prominent bottleneck. Automakers like BYD, along with consumer groups, should increase lobbying to pressure governments to create a more favorable tax environment. 

• While South Africa is the current leader, the strategic entry of BYD and other brands into different African markets indicates the next phase is broader continental expansion. You should expect to see increased competition and infrastructure development in emerging EV hubs like Kenya, Morocco, Ghana, and Ethiopia.