New energy vehicles: electric cars in South Africa

Everything Counts host Motheo Khoaripe speaks with industry experts about new energy vehicles in South Africa. They discuss the various types of electric and hybrid vehicles, their costs, range, and the availability of charging points. The conversation also covers potential savings, insurance considerations, and managing electric vehicles amid loadshedding and the energy crisis. If you're considering a hybrid or electric car, this episode offers valuable insights and expert advice.

What are new energy vehicles?

New energy vehicles are vehicles that run on energy sources other than petrol or diesel. They’re designed to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency and lessen the environmental impact of transport. In South Africa, where fuel prices are high and pollution is a growing concern, new energy vehicles offer a cleaner, more cost-effective alternative for the future.
Adoption is still emerging, but momentum is building as battery costs fall, renewable energy expands, and policies begin to support greener transport. New energy vehicles are not just a global trend, they’re becoming a practical and necessary part of South Africa’s shift toward a more sustainable economy.

What are the different types of new energy vehicles?

There are several types of new energy vehicles available, each using different technologies to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower emissions. These are the main three types:

• Electric vehicles: These run entirely on electricity. They have lower running costs but can be more expensive upfront and may have limited driving range depending on the model. In South Africa, EV adoption is growing steadily and is expected to continue increasing.
• Hybrid electric vehicles: These combine a petrol engine with a small electric motor, offering flexibility in fuel use. However, their complexity means maintenance costs can be higher due to more moving parts.
• Plug-in hybrids: These serve as a bridge for those transitioning to electric vehicles. They can run on electric power for shorter trips but still use petrol for longer journeys, offering the best of both worlds.

Electric vehicles vs fuel vehicles

Electric vehicles offer a driving experience that is noticeably different from traditional petrol cars. Many drivers who start with hybrid cars often find themselves wishing they had gone fully electric due to the smoothness and efficiency of EVs.
Driving an electric car means embracing a new normal as you need to plan for charging stops and adapt to longer recharge times compared to a quick petrol fill-up. However, for most daily urban driving, charging can be done conveniently at home overnight, making the process seamless.

Unlike petrol cars, EVs don’t require frequent visits to fuel stations, which can reduce stress and save time. The instant torque and quiet ride make electric vehicles enjoyable to drive. While longer trips may require some planning around charging points, many drivers find this leads to a more relaxed journey with built-in breaks.

Overall, once drivers understand and accept these differences, electric vehicles quickly become the preferred choice, especially for city commutes and regular use.

Tips to maximise electric car savings

If you plan to keep a petrol car as the primary vehicle but use an electric vehicle as a second family car, maximising the savings comes down to understanding the vehicle’s strengths and daily usage patterns.
Electric vehicles are particularly efficient and cost-effective in urban environments where daily commutes are shorter and speeds are moderate. Here are some key tips to maximise electric vehicle savings:

• Regenerative braking: Unlike petrol cars, electric vehicles recharge their batteries slightly when braking. This feature is especially useful in stop-and-go city traffic, extending your driving range without extra charging.
• Climate control preconditioning: Many electric vehicles allow you to preheat or cool the cabin while still plugged in, so your battery isn’t drained by air conditioning or heating once you start driving.
• Driving habits: While electric cars are fun to drive with quick acceleration, driving at high speeds reduces range. Being mindful of speed can help extend the distance you can travel between charges.
• Range optimisation technology: Most modern electric vehicles come with built-in systems that help drivers monitor and improve their range efficiency, guiding better driving and charging habits.

Understanding electric vehicle costs

Owning an electric vehicle isn’t just about the upfront purchase price, it’s about the overall cost of running and maintaining it over time.

• Initial investment vs. long-term savings: Charging an EV at home costs between 24 cents and R1.20 per km compared to R1.70 – R2.20 a km for an ICE vehicle.
• Charging costs: Charging at home keeps charging costs low, especially when taking advantage of off-peak tariffs. When using solar power, this cost can drop to almost zero. Public charging can cost around R1.20 per km depending on the station and the charging options available, but many offer subscription plans that lower these prices.
• Battery longevity and replacement: Electric vehicle batteries typically last 8 to 10 years, and even longer with proper care. Battery replacement costs currently hover around R100 000 but are expected to decrease with advances in technology.
• Servicing intervals: Electric vehicles typically require servicing every 2 years or 30 000 km, with services that can be completed while you wait, as EVs have fewer moving parts compared to petrol vehicles. Services generally include battery health checks, brake inspections, and a general assessment, resulting in lower service costs.
• Resale value: While the electric vehicle resale market is still a developing one in South Africa, growing interest and improved infrastructure suggest strong future prospects.

New energy vehicle trends

The momentum behind new energy vehicles is accelerating rapidly. New models now offer driving ranges of over 600km on a single charge, making long-distance travel much more convenient and worry-free.

Advanced technology enhances the driving experience by automatically plotting routes with optimised charging stops and estimated charging times, removing much of the uncertainty around longer trips. Battery technology is also evolving, allowing for the replacement of individual cells rather than the entire pack, which reduces repair costs and improves maintenance.

Charging efficiency is improving, too: vehicles can pre-condition their batteries on the way to a charger by warming them to the optimal temperature, cutting charging time by 10 minutes or more. Reliability is a key benefit as well − electric motors have fewer moving parts than combustion engines, leading to less wear and tear and longer lifespans.