Features / 12 March 2026 / Warren Hawkins

The new type of car South Africans are buying pre-owned

Although South Africa may be slow out of the gates with the adoption of new energy vehicles (NEVs), they are gaining considerable popularity in both the new and used markets, especially battery-electric vehicles (BEVs).

Last year saw a strong showing from NEVs in new vehicle sales figures, surpassing 2024’s final sales total by November and ending the year on a high note, according to Naamsa sales data.

In the used market, AutoTrader kept track of used NEV sales, recording a massive 73% increase from January to December 2025, compared to the same timeframe in 2024.

There was also a 55% year-on-year increase in BEV sales, particularly between January and December 2025, with 1,737 BEV listings representing a 39% year-on-year increase.

By the end of 2025, 5,727 pre-owned new-energy vehicles, including hybrids and battery-electric vehicles, were sold in South Africa.

AutoTrader’s data shows a rise in electric vehicle advert views, as well as an increase in both supply and sales, driven primarily by BEV models that address key consumer pain points.

“Consumers are embracing efficiency, but they are doing so rationally with the total cost of ownership,” said AutoTrader CEO George Mienie.

According to sales data, the average listing and sold prices for used EVs in South Africa decreased last year, which provided motorists with increased buying power, supporting higher EV adoption rates.

The average listing price of BEVs was 30% higher than that of hybrids, while the average selling price of BEVs was 33% higher than hybrid vehicle prices. On average, BEVs sold for 2% less than the average EV listing price.

The best-selling pre-owned BEV in South Africa in 2025 was the Volvo EX30, followed closely by its sibling, the XC40.

Despite the GWM Ora ranking as the second-most listed BEV on the market, it failed to secure a position amongst the top ten in terms of sales. Meanwhile, the BYD Dolphin entered the top ten rankings.