Q&A: Policies lag South Africa’s EV transition

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South Africa’s electric vehicle adoption is slowed by prolonged policy debates, delayed execution, and high costs, says EV consultant Anazi Zote Piper. The 2021 Auto Green Paper remains largely unimplemented. EV adoption is still in its infancy, with most models priced beyond the reach of many buyers. Affordable Chinese brands could bridge the gap, she says.  

• Anazi Piper is an EV consultant and former Mobility Content & Stakeholder Manager at VUKA Group. She played a key role in mobilising and overseeing Smarter Mobility Africa, an annual mobility event in South Africa. 

• Load shedding remains a significant barrier for fleet electrification, as companies risk being unable to charge on time, says Ms Anazi. Investing in independent energy solutions, such as solar, battery storage, and smart charging, offers a way forward.

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How would you describe the current state of EV adoption in South Africa?

Ms Anazi: South Africa is starting to see some uptake, especially in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, because they offer both fuel and sustainable options. People are testing the waters before going fully electric. We also see interest in hydrogen due to our resources in Southern Africa. Fleet adoption is growing, especially in long-haul transport, but overall adoption is not as fast as Kenya’s. Kenya’s market benefits from smaller vehicles like two- and three-wheelers being embraced quickly, while South Africa still leans heavily on private car ownership and traditional fuel systems. Public transport electrification here is still at an early stage. The momentum is there, but we need stronger policies and incentives to match Kenya’s pace.

Why do you think EV sales in South Africa have recently dropped in the first half of the year compared to last year?

Ms Anazi: The high price point is a major factor. Many new cars sold in South Africa are under 500,000 rands, but most EVs cost far more. Without more affordable options, adoption will be slow. Chinese EV brands could help because they offer better prices. This drop in sales,from 749 units to 570, signals that we can’t rely solely on early adopters. We must work to make EVs appealing and accessible to a broader audience, not just those who can afford premium models. It’s also a reminder that affordability and awareness must go hand in hand for market growth.

Is there a market for luxury EVs in South Africa?

Ms Anazi: Yes, there is a niche market. At one event I attended, a five-million-rand electric SUV had a buyer on the spot. Luxury brands like Mercedes and BMW target loyal customers who upgrade within the brand. However, this market is small and perceived as “rich people’s cars.” While it’s positive that luxury EVs are generating interest, their impact on overall adoption is minimal. Most South Africans see these vehicles as unattainable, which reinforces the misconception that EVs are only for the wealthy. The real growth opportunity lies in affordable EVs that can compete with popular petrol models.

How do you compare South Africa’s EV policy approach with other African countries?
Ms Anazi: We’re lagging behind. Countries like Morocco and Egypt have been aggressive with EV policies, while we’ve had the Auto Green Paper since 2021 with little proactive implementation. Ethiopia, for example, banned ICE vehicle imports and set ambitious targets for 2030. South Africa has the minerals and expertise to lead but needs to move beyond pilots and start scaling locally. Our policies often remain in discussion phases for years without clear execution plans. This creates uncertainty for investors and delays market readiness. We need bold moves and clear timelines to signal that South Africa is serious about the transition.

What role does financing play in EV adoption, and how does South Africa compare to Kenya?
Ms Anazi: Kenya is ahead because you have microfinance institutions offering EV-specific loans with low deposits, even for people without strong credit scores. In South Africa, we don’t have such targeted financing for EVs, only general business or SME loans. If we developed microfinancing for EVs, adoption would increase significantly. Financing accessibility is often the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity. Without creative financing solutions, many potential EV buyers are locked out of the market. Kenya’s approach proves that financing models can be tailored specifically for sustainable mobility.

Which specific financial challenges do consumers and fleets face when transitioning to EVs in South Africa?
Ms Anazi: Green financing and carbon credits are poorly understood. People want to transition but don’t know how these systems work, who offers them, or how to apply. This knowledge gap, combined with high costs, slows adoption. Many fleet operators hear about green funding but find the process unclear and overwhelming. There’s also a lack of centralised information or advisory services to guide them. Without education and clear pathways, interest in EVs stalls before it becomes actionable.

How is the logistics sector responding to electrification in South Africa?
Ms Anazi: Companies like Checkers and Vector Logistics are leading by adopting electric trucks early. This puts them ahead of competitors. However, scaling is hindered by infrastructure gaps, like insufficient charging stations at depots, and the need for driver training to manage charging times effectively. Logistics is a high-potential sector for EVs because fleet operations can achieve quick cost savings once infrastructure is in place. These early adopters are proving the business case, but more widespread uptake requires sector-wide investment in charging networks. Long-term, logistics could be one of the strongest drivers of EV adoption here.

How does load shedding impact EV adoption in logistics?
Ms Anazi: Load shedding is a major barrier because logistics companies can’t be sure they’ll be able to charge their fleets on time. The solution is investing in independent energy systems—solar, battery energy storage, and smart charging management. Without reliable energy, scaling EV fleets will remain difficult. Energy insecurity makes fleet managers hesitant to invest heavily in electrification. Even with cost savings from EVs, uncertainty over charging availability is a risk most businesses won’t take. Building resilient charging infrastructure is as important as the vehicles themselves.