Chinese EV Brands Charge into South Africa Amidst Adoption Hurdles

Chinese automobile manufacturer iCaur, which produces popular car brands Chery, Jaecoo and Omoda, is set to introduce a new energy vehicle (EV) brand to the South African automotive market in early 2026.

iCaur specialises in internal combustion engine (ICE) sport utility vehicles as well as fully electric and hybrid lines. The company’s entry would bring the total number of Chinese EV manufacturers present in the country to five. Others, such as Changan, Leapmotor and Dongfeng are also expected to enter the market in 2026.

Currently, EVs account for 1.2 percent of new car sales in South Africa – a country also known for its vibrant car manufacturing industry. However, the majority of vehicles produced in the country are ICE-based. Far more popular new energy alternatives are hybrids and plug-in hybrids, which offer drivers further range, with petrol as an alternative should the car battery degrade or run out of power while far away from a charging station.

Among the challenges affecting the market is the low coverage of charging stations, especially in rural areas, as well as load-shedding and unreliable electricity supply. Buyers are also wary of the high cost of EV cars, batteries, and battery maintenance.

However, rising petrol prices, increased environmental awareness, the low cost of daily running, and government incentives such as lower import tariffs, hold promise for the future.

Tellingly, China’s focus turning towards the country is a key indicator that with more positive measures supporting the EV sector, it will be set to grow to 5 percent of total new-vehicle sales by 2028.

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