Egypt welcomes two new EV models

April 09, 2025

From the newsletter

The Hyundai IONIQ 6 and Audi Q6 e-tron electric vehicles have been launched in Egypt. However, the cars will be sold under different dealerships. The Hyundai will be sold by GB Auto while the Egyptian Automotive Trading Company will handle the sales of the Audi. The Audi SUV offers a 640 km range, while the Hyundai sedan reaches up to 614 km. 

  • The Audi Q6 e-tron is the third electric SUV to launch this year, following the arrival of the Porsche Macan and Zeekr X in February. The wider range of options is set to intensify competition among manufacturers, leading to more competitive pricing and improved features for consumers.

  • Local consumer preferences are shifting as more premium electric models enter the market, signalling rising demand for sustainable mobility in Egypt without compromising on performance or brand value.

More details

  • The Hyundai IONIQ 6 offers a range of motor options, with the top variant delivering 325 horsepower and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in under 5.1 seconds. In contrast, the Audi Q6 e-tron produces 327 horsepower and completes the same sprint in 6.6 seconds. While both vehicles offer impressive performance, the Hyundai’s quicker acceleration is likely to appeal to more performance-oriented drivers.

  • The Audi Q6 e-tron stands out with a 100 kWh battery offering a maximum range of 640 km, compared to the IONIQ 6’s 77.4 kWh battery and 614 km range. This gives Audi the upper hand in terms of long-distance capability and energy efficiency.

  • In terms of charging, Hyundai distinguishes itself with ultra-fast 350 kW capability, enabling a 10% to 80% charge in just 18 minutes. The Audi Q6 e-tron is close behind, supporting 260 kW fast charging and achieving the same charge level in approximately 22 minutes—both are convenient, though Hyundai holds a slight edge in speed.

  • The IONIQ 6 is currently priced from $33,000, with promotional offers of up to $3,000. Audi has not yet announced official pricing for the Q6 e-tron, but it is expected to position the model in the premium segment.

  • Egypt’s electric SUV market spans a wide pricing range—from $33,000 for the Hyundai IONIQ 6 to $237,000 for high-end models like the Mercedes-Benz EQG. This broad spectrum allows both middle-income and affluent buyers to engage with the transition to electric mobility. In contrast, South Africa’s market features fewer budget-friendly models, with entry-level EV SUVs such as the BYD Sealion 6 starting at $40,400 and premium offerings like the Volvo EX90 reaching $144,000.

  • Egypt is benefitting from a diverse influx of both mid-range and luxury electric SUVs, including models from BYD, Zeekr, Hyundai, and Audi. This diversity enhances consumer choice and market depth. South Africa, however, remains largely dominated by luxury EVs from established brands like Volvo, BMW, and Audi. BYD’s recent launch of the fully electric Sealion 6 and plug-in hybrid Sealion 7 adds a new dynamic, but the long-term market impact remains to be unclear.

  • Charging infrastructure development is another area where Egypt is pulling ahead. Rapid progress, particularly in urban areas, and the efforts of companies like Infinity EV, Egypt’s largest EV charging company, are making EV ownership more practical and attractive. South Africa is making strides too, but growth has been slower—evidenced by delays in the rollout of 120 charging stations planned by Charge. The inconsistent availability of charging points across the country remains a barrier, particularly outside of major cities.

  • In terms of brand presence, German and Chinese automakers dominate Egypt’s EV market, with BYD and Mercedes-Benz leading sales in early 2025. Meanwhile, South Africa is led by the Swedish brand Volvo, with strong representation from BMW and Audi. This difference in brand dominance reflects broader strategic patterns. 

Our take

  • Egypt has become a key entry point for emerging EV brands seeking to build market share, while South Africa continues to attract premium, well-established manufacturers catering to a luxury-driven audience.

  • Given Egypt's rapid growth in electric vehicle adoption and the strong performance of Chinese brands driven by competitive pricing, modern features, and effective local partnerships, it is reasonable to expect that more Asian EV automakers—particularly from China, South Korea, and Japan—will choose Egypt as their primary entry point into the African market.

  • Egypt’s new regulation limiting individuals to importing only one personal vehicle every five years is expected to shift demand towards locally available vehicles. This policy is encouraging more EV companies to launch in Egypt, where they can directly serve consumers through dealerships and benefit from growing demand and supportive government incentives.