The Dayun Yuehu S5 recently launched as the most affordable electric vehicle (EV) in South Africa at a starting price of just R399,900.
The arrival of the S5 slashed the barrier to entry for EVs by a considerable R140,000 as the previous title holder of this accolade was the BYD Dolphin, which sells for a minimum of R539,900.
Described as a mini-SUV, the Yuehu measures just 3,695mm in length, 1,685mm in width, and 1,598mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,410mm.
Driving the EV is a front-mounted electric motor with a maximum output of 35kW and 105Nm, allowing it to reach a top speed of 100km/h.
Under the floorboards, it features a 31.7kWh ternary lithium-ion battery that supplies a maximum driving range of 330km. At a Level 2 DC charging station, a full charge can be completed in under 60 minutes, said the automaker.
Standard fittings in the Yuehu encompass automatic headlights, 15-inch wheels, keyless start, a multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control, electric front seats, an 8-inch digital driver monitor, a 7-inch infotainment screen with Bluetooth, a rearview camera, and cruise control.
Additionally, the EV is equipped with ABS with brake assist, tyre-pressure monitoring, hill-start assist, slope-descent control, two front airbags, and a low-speed driving warning system for pedestrian safety.
A hard sell
While R400,000 for a fully-fledged EV is much more palatable than prices we’ve seen in the past, the Dayun will likely be a somewhat tough sell in the current market landscape.
The value of the average vehicle finance contract opened in South Africa during the first quarter of 2024 was R391,000, indicating that this is the most popular price range for car purchases in the country.
As such, it is as competitive as can be, with every automaker from major names such as Toyota to newcomers like Foton competing in this segment.
Hence, if you can afford to buy the cheapest EV in the country, you can also afford to buy one of the 13 petrol and diesel cars listed below.
Click on the underlined prices for more information.
GWM Steed 5 2.0VGT Double Cab SX
- Starting price – R390,150
- Power – 110kW/320Nm
- Fuel consumption – 7.6l/100km
- Claimed driving range – 921km
Haval Jolion Pro 1.5T Premium
- Starting price – R391,150
- Power – 105kW/210Nm
- Fuel consumption – 8.1l/100km
- Claimed driving range – 679km
Opel Corsa 1.2T Edition
- Starting price – R394,900
- Power – 74kW/205Nm
- Fuel consumption – 5.7l/100km
- Claimed driving range – 702km
Renault Duster 1.5dCi Zen
- Starting price – R397,999
- Power – 66kW/210Nm
- Fuel consumption – 5.1l/100km
- Claimed driving range – 980km
Foton Tunland G7 2.0TD double cab TL
- Starting price – R399,900
- Power – 120kW/390Nm
- Fuel consumption – 7.7l/100km
- Claimed driving range – No official figure
JAC T8 2.0CTI Double Cab Lux
- Starting price – R399,900
- Power – 104kW/320Nm
- Fuel consumption – 7.8l/100km
- Claimed driving range – 974km
Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GL AllGrip 3-Door
- Starting price – R399,900
- Power – 75kW/130Nm
- Fuel consumption – 6.3l/100km
- Claimed driving range – 635km
VW Polo Hatch 1.0TSI 70kW Life
- Starting price – R401,400
- Power – 70kW/175Nm
- Fuel consumption – 5.4l/100km
- Claimed driving range – 741km
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Xi
- Starting price – R408,400
- Power – 103kW/172Nm
- Fuel consumption – 6.8l/100km
- Claimed driving range – 691km
Peugeot 208 1.2T Allure
- Starting price – R407,900
- Power – 74kW/205Nm
- Fuel consumption – 5.8l/100km
- Claimed driving range – 759km
Mahindra Pik Up 2.2CRDe Double Cab S6
- Starting price – R408,999
- Power – 103kW/320Nm
- Fuel consumption – 7.7l/100km
- Claimed driving range – 1,039km
Honda BR-V 1.5 Trend
- Starting price – R409,000
- Power – 89kW/145Nm
- Fuel consumption – 6.8l/100km
- Claimed driving range – 618km
Kia Sonet 1.5 EX
- Starting price – R411,995
- Power – 85kW/144Nm
- Fuel consumption – 7.2l/100km
- Claimed driving range – 625km
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