Most affordable electric car in South Africa right now – and the one that could take its place

The cheapest electric vehicle (EV) in South Africa right now is the R399,900 Dayun Yuehu S5, but that could soon change.

Chinese rival BYD is planning to launch the new Dolphin Mini in our market this year, which could potentially lower the price of electric of electric transport by another R50,000.

The race for affordability

The world is slowly but surely making the transition to new-energy vehicles, but South Africa is well behind the global curve largely owing to a lack of affordable options.

However, this has started to change within the last two to three years, with several automakers finally entering the electric segment with models that don’t command supercar price tags the the Porsche Taycan or the Audi e-tron.

Brands like Mini, GWM, BYD, and Volvo are now competing to see who can introduce their more affordable EV options first, but the current pack leader is a little-known nameplate called Dayun.

The Chinese carmaker launched in July 2024 with a single model called the Yuehu S5, which at R399,900, is R140,000 cheaper than the previous entry-level EV – the BYD Dolphin.

The small hatchback is powered by a front-mounted electric motor with 35kW and 105Nm, allowing it to reach a top speed of 100km/h.

This is connected to a 31.7kWh, letting the car travel for roughly 330km between recharges.

Despite its entry-grade positioning, the S5 also comes with a reasonable amount of kit including 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.

BYD is evidently not taking this threat lying down, however, as it intends to launch a new product that may help to reclaim its title as the most obtainable EV brand in South Africa.

Enter the Dolphin Mini (otherwise known as the Seagull), which goes for as little as 90,000 yuan (R233,000) in its home market.

Of course, it won’t sell for exactly this sum when it reaches our shores owing to the substantial import duties government places on foreign cars, but it’s entirely possible that the Mini could end up in the realm of R350,000 by the time everything is said and done.

For this price, you’ll get front-mounted electric motor good for 55kW and 135Nm, and one of two different batteries, depending on the trim level.

The base GL units get a 30.1kWh cell with 250km on tap, while the GS is upgraded to a 38.9kWh bank with 322km.

Its equipment sheet will only be confirmed at release later this year, but in other countries, the BYD is fitted with LED headlights, a rotating 10.1-inch infotainment screen, a 7.0-inch digital driver display, leather upholstery, a wireless charger, automatic air conditioning, cruise control, and a rearview camera.