3 electric cars you can buy under R500,000 in South Africa

While there are no new electric vehicles (EVs) on the market for half-a-million rand or less, you can get several of them for under the price point if you are willing to buy used.

We took to AutoTrader to see what’s available in the EV segment for those South Africans who are yearning to enter the future of mobility, but have limited funds to do so.

Nissan Leaf – From R239,995

One of the first mass-produced EVs ever, the Nissan Leaf is a rather rare sighting in South Africa which explains why there is only one of them currently listed on AutoTrader with its seller asking R239,995 for it.

The 2014 example of the Leaf has done a mere 35,200km over its decade-long stint on the roads, and it boasts a full service history accompanied by a 4/5-star Vehicle Condition rating.

The sedan begets 80kW and 254Nm from its front-mounted electric motor which is enough to propel it to 100km/h in 11.5 seconds, and the 24kWh battery pack affords a driving range of 85-100km on this particular model, according to the advertisement.

Once depleted, the power source can be recharged at a standard three-prong wall outlet in around three hours.

Creature comforts in the Nissan take the form of leather upholstery, a multifunction steering wheel, heated seats, automatic airconditioning, push-button start, a reverse camera, and a radio with Bluetooth.

BMW i3 – From R329,950

At the time of writing, there are 12 listings for the fan-favourite BMW i3 on AutoTrader for less than R500,000, the cheapest of these being a 2015 range extender (REx) model that is selling for R329,950.

The i3 REx is fitted with an 18.8kWh battery that is supported by a 647cc petrol motor functioning as an on-board charger to provide a maximum driving potential of 340km in the “most efficient driving mode,” according to BMW.

Power output for the front-wheel-drive hatch is pegged at 125kW and 250Nm, and it is capable of sprinting to triple-digit speeds in 7.9 seconds.

The quirky EV further treats its owner with amenities such as keyless entry and start, leather/fabric seats, climate control, a 6.5-inch digital driver’s display, a 10.25-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth and navigation, a sunroof, a reverse camera, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, lane assist, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic Xenon lights.

The most affordable i3 on AutoTrader sits on a mileage of 69,000km, comes with a partial service history, and sees a 4/5-star Vehicle Condition rating.

Mini Cooper SE – From R440,000

The most contemporary EV you can get in South Africa for half-a-million bucks is the Mini Cooper SE, of which there are currently four different options on the used market starting at R440,000.

At the most affordable end of the spectrum is a 2020 Cooper SE Trim S with 51,000km on the clock, a full franchise service history, and a 5/5-star Vehicle Condition rating.

This EV is motivated by a single electric motor generating 135kW and 270Nm, hooked up to a 32.6kWh battery, which allows the hatchback to eclipse 100km/h in 7.3 seconds and provide a total driving range of 235km.

Buyers of the Mini can expect niceties along the lines of a 5.5-inch digital instrument cluster, a 6.5-inch central display with Bluetooth and navigation, a leather multifunction steering wheel, fabric/leather seating, two-zone climate control, an electric sunroof, and automatic LED lights and wipers.