5 Electric Cars To Look Out For In 2020
Electric vehicles are popular around the world, but here in South Africa not so much. We’re not sure who to blame exactly but there are many plausible reasons such as legislature, infrastructure or even customer attitudes. One thing that’s certain is that we are making progress to achieve sustainable electric mobility and certain manufacturers product decisions reflect this. With that being said, let’s look at five all-electric cars that are in, or coming to, South Africa for 2020.
#5: Nissan Leaf
One of the first cars to pave the way for electric vehicles in South Africa. The Leaf is one of the more affordable electric vehicles in the market with a price tag from R479,100. It features an electric motor that produces 80kW of power and 280Nm of torque enabling it to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 11.9-seconds with a 145km/h top speed. It takes 7 hours to charge from empty to full and will allow the driver to cover around 175-kilometers of range per charge.
#4: BMW i3
Another electric vehicle with a bit of history in SA. The BMW i3 is actually a bit of a sleeper with its surprisingly quick 0-100km/h time of 7.3-seconds. This is thanks to the fully-electric BMW eDrive system that works alongside an electric motor to produce 125kW of power and 250Nm of torque, all while providing electric driving range for up to 260-kilometers. All yours from R658,500.
#3: Jaguar I-Pace
The introduction of the I-Pace was a game changer for the local electric vehicle scene because it was one of the first vehicles to infuse electric mobility with Jaguar luxury in the form of an SUV. It’s also quite spirited in performance, offering drivers a first-class ticket from 0-100km/h in 4.8-seconds. Two motors produce 294kW of power and 696Nm of torque, while the I-Pace’s 90kWh battery provides an electric driving range of up to 470-kilometers. You might have expected that this luxury and performance doesn’t come cheap, and you’re right. The starting price for the electric Jag starts at R1,672,230.
#2: Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC
The EQC is an all-electric SUV that employs two motors to produce an impressive maximum power output of 300kW. Since the torque is available instantly, 0-100km/h happens in 5.1-seconds accelerating all the way up to its limited top speed of 180km/h. The top speed may seem a bit questionable, but what the EQC lacks in top end speed, it makes up for in charging capabilities. The Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC boasts an impressive range, as claimed by Mercedes, of 450-kilometers and will charge up from empty to full in 40 minutes on selected rapid charging stations.
#1: Audi e-tron
This is Audi’s first ever all-electric SUV and it was well received at its local debut at the 2019 Festival of Motoring. The new ‘four-bar’ headlights notify you that you’re looking at an electric Audi while the signature light-bar from the Audi Q8, inspired by the legendary Audi Quattro, stretches between the taillights at the rear. Throw it into Dynamic mode and the two engines produce 300kW of power and 664Nm of torque. Local pricing hasn’t been made official yet, but we can expect the electric Audi to command a price tag somewhere in the R1.6-million range.
Also worth a look: the Audi Rs3 and the Out with the Old, In with the New: Audi A5 Replaces A4 in So.
FAQ
Q: What are the best electric cars available in South Africa in 2020?
The top electric cars in SA for 2020 include the Nissan Leaf from R479,100, BMW i3 from R658,500, and the Jaguar I-Pace which offers luxury SUV styling with 470km range and can sprint from 0-100kph in just 4.8 seconds.
Q: How much does it cost to buy an electric car in South Africa?
Electric car prices in South Africa start from around R479,100 for the entry-level Nissan Leaf, while premium options like the BMW i3 cost from R658,500, and luxury electric SUVs like the Jaguar I-Pace command significantly higher prices.
Q: What is the driving range of electric cars in South Africa?
Electric car ranges in SA vary significantly, with the Nissan Leaf offering around 175km per charge, the BMW i3 providing up to 260km range, and the Jaguar I-Pace leading the pack with an impressive 470km driving range on a single charge.
Q: How long does it take to charge an electric car in South Africa?
Charging times depend on the vehicle and charging method, with the Nissan Leaf taking approximately 7 hours to charge from empty to full using standard charging equipment available in South Africa.
Q: Are electric cars worth buying in South Africa in 2020?
Electric cars are worth considering in South Africa if you have access to reliable charging infrastructure and do mostly city driving, with the BMW i3 offering the best balance of performance (0-100kph in 7.3 seconds) and range (260km) for around R658,500.
Should You Buy It?
If you're looking to go electric in South Africa without breaking the bank, the BMW i3 from R658,500 is your best bet. While the Nissan Leaf at R479,100 is the cheapest option, its 175km range and 11.9-second 0-100kph time feel a bit sluggish for the money. The i3 strikes the sweet spot with proper performance (7.3 seconds to 100kph), decent range (260km), and that premium BMW badge. Sure, the Jaguar I-Pace is the ultimate electric machine with 470km range and supercar-quick 4.8-second acceleration, but unless you've got serious cash to splash, the i3 gives you 80% of the experience for a fraction of the price. Just make sure you've sorted your home charging situation first, boet.
