- Mobility Rising
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- Where BYD is focusing its attention and why it's a long way to go
Where BYD is focusing its attention and why it's a long way to go
 | Chinese automaker BYD has introduced three vehicle models to South Africa, two of which are plug-in hybrids (PHEV) while the third is fully electric. It has introduced the Shark 6, a PHEV pick-up, fully electric Sealion 6 and PHEV Sealion 7, both SUVs. They join Atto 3, which BYD launched locally in 2023, and Dolphin hatchback and Seal sedan, both launched in 2024. |
Despite being the world’s second-largest electric car manufacturer, BYD is barely making any sales in South Africa, where it launched in 2023. The country’s EV market is instead dominated by Swedish automaker Volvo and German juggernaut BMW. But BYD seeks to upend the status quo, with its EVs, comparatively cheaper, looking set to pinch a slice of the market in 2025.
The launch of the three new models means BYD has now doubled its models in the country to six, more than it has in any African country. South Africa is Africa’s largest automotive market, with more than 500,000 vehicles sold annually. It is thus a key entry point for leading automakers into the African automotive market.
Our take: Pick-ups are one of the most sold vehicles in South Africa. BYD’s entry into this segment, coupled with its other new models and its low prices, will propel it to capture a significant part of the EV market… Read more (2 min)
 | Tesla, the world’s largest EV manufacturer, is quietly making moves in Africa. Known for its sleek vehicles, the company is yet to launch them in Africa, but is disrupting the continent’s battery storage market, and this could be beneficial for EVs. Tesla has hired 795 staff in Africa over the last 12 months, more than any other EV company. This is based on LinkedIn data. |
Access to electricity in Africa remains limited, which is inhibiting the growth of EVs. Tesla’s Powerwall energy storage batteries try to solve the power access problem. The company is actively installing these batteries in South Africa, where frequent power cuts are disrupting EV charging. Tesla has also done projects in other countries like Zimbabwe, where it installed its batteries at 260 telecom sites. Should demand arise, these sites could be used as off-grid EV charging stations.
It is little surprise then that Tesla led the Mobility Rising Company Ranking, which ranked the top 10 EV companies in Africa based on eight key metrics. Not only did the company hire the most staff during the period but it also now has the most senior employees in the sector in Africa, totalling 1,191. The other top firms are Spiro, Max, BYD, Ampersand, BasiGo, Roam Electric, Kiira Motors, Shift EV and Gogo Electric. Combined. They have hired 1,347 new employees over the period.
Our take: Battery storage could play a pivotal role in enhancing Africa’s electric mobility sector. The batteries can be used to power off-grid charging stations and help EV owners reduce the impact of frequent power cuts at home… Read more (2 min)
 | Electric mobility is not just about transportation but a catalyst for innovation and skill development, writes Adetayo Bamiduro, the CEO of Max, a Nigerian EV company. To sustain this momentum, he says, investment in education and training is essential to equip young Africans with technical skills in EV maintenance and fleet operations. |
Max is pioneering electric mobility solutions in Nigeria, offering financing for electric motorcycles and deploying electric two- and three-wheelers to empower micro-entrepreneurs and businesses. Max integrates fintech, logistics, and mobility to build a robust platform that supports last-mile delivery, urban commuting, and economic empowerment.
Adetayo is a seasoned leader in the mobility and startup ecosystem, having served as CEO of Max for a decade. He holds a Master’s in Business Administration and is also the founder of Techstars, a global accelerator that helps entrepreneurs scale their ventures into transformative businesses.
To read more on Adetayo’s full perspective, click here… (2 min)
Events
🗓️ Register for EV Summit happening in South Africa (July 17)
🗓️ Join the Kenyan electric vehicle discussion hosted by EMAK (April 11)
🗓️ Attend the 3rd Annual E-mobility Stakeholders Conference in Kenya (May 5)
Jobs
📦 Join the procurement team at BasiGo (Rwanda)
📊 Apply for the role of Stock Analysis at M-Kopa (Uganda)
💰 Lead sales team at Ebikes Africa (Kenya)
Various
🤝 E-bicycle owners in South Africa may need a licence soon
🛵 Dodai reaches milestone of 1,000 units sold
🎫 How smart cities and electric mobility go hand in hand
Seen on LinkedIn
Luyanda Mathenjwa, Consultant at Deloitte, says, “I see this as a good sign in that the SA automotive sector is re-balancing itself in accordance with an increasingly decerning market on the back of more affordable alternatives from our Eastern vehicle manufacturers.”