New Arcfox T1 launched in South Africa – Pricing and features

A new car brand has touched down in South Africa, offering one of the most affordable electric vehicles (EVs) on the market.

Arcfox is a new premium sub-brand under the BAIC Group, launched in South Africa in late October, that specialises in new-energy vehicles.

Its first vehicle, the T1, is an all-electric crossover that is now on sale in South Africa in two specifications, with prices starting at R359,900.

This makes it the fifth-cheapest EV in the country after the Dongfeng Box, Geely E2, BYD Dolphin Surf, and Chery Q.

However, all of these cars are hatchbacks, whereas the T1 is classified as a crossover, making the Arcfox the cheapest EV of its kind in South Africa.

For reference, the previous most affordable electric crossover is the Dongfeng Vigo, which starts at R499,900.

Powertrain

Both versions of the T1 – the Pro and the Max – are fitted with a single front-mounted electric motor, which generates 70kW and 176Nm.

The e-motor gets its power from a 42.3kWh battery, which provides a range of 310km on a single charge, according to the manufacturer.

It supports V2L (vehicle to load) charging, meaning that owners can use the battery to power external appliances.

Users can recharge the battery from 30% to 80% in 25 minutes using a DC fast charger, or from 0% to 100% in eight hours with a 7kW AC charger.

The crossover also has driving modes for Economy, Sport, Comfort, or a personalised setting where owners can set their preferred setup.

Features

The Arcfox measures 4,337mm in length, 1,860mm in width, and 1,572mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,770mm.

For reference, it is slightly larger than cars like the VW Taigo, making it one of the bigger cars available in its price segment.

It has a boot capacity of 459 litres, which expands to 1,352 litres when the rear seats are folded down.

Since they have the same powertrain, the differences between the Pro and Max come down to their spec sheets.

The entry-level Pro starts things off with 17-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, semi-hidden door handles, heated auto-folding side mirrors, and keyless entry and start.

It also comes with an artificial leather multifunction steering wheel, artificial leather upholstery, a 66W phone charger, automatic air conditioning, a six-way electric driver’s seat, a digital instrument cluster, and a 15.6-inch infotainment screen with four speakers and Apple CarPlay.

Safety fittings include tyre pressure monitoring, four airbags, rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera.

Upgrading to the Max will add 18-inch alloy rims, a panoramic sunroof, two more speakers (six total), a four-way electric front passenger seat, and heated and ventilated front seats.

It also has an expanded driving aid suite with adaptive cruise control, automatic parking, traffic jam assist, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian collision warning, front parking sensors, and two more airbags (six total).

Pricing

The South African pricing for the new Arcfox T1 is as follows:

• Arcfox T1 Pro – R359,900
• Arcfox T1 Max – R399,900

This includes a 5-year/150,000km warranty and a 5-year/100,000km service plan.

Arcfox T1