Unlike buying a conventional vehicle where you only get the car and a warranty, buying an electric vehicle (EV) is usually accompanied by a comprehensive welcome package to make the transition from fossil fuels to battery power easier.
This can be anything from an extended warranty on the battery for added peace of mind, or a free home charger to reap the full benefits of the forward-thinking technologies.
Depending on the manufacturer, here is what you can expect to get in addition to the vehicle itself when buying a new EV in South Africa.
Audi
Audi EVs in the local market come with a “Compact” home charger, wall clip, and 32A industrial socket as standard.
“If the vehicle is ordered by the customer through a dealer, the “Connect” smart charger is R12,500 (on the e-tron/e-tron Sportback), and the customer has the choice of cable at no additional charge if ordered with the vehicle,” said the company.
Usually, the Compact charger retails between R25,645 and R26,392, whereas the “Connect” system goes for a much more substantial R40,779.
Each Audi e-tron purchase additionally includes a 5-year/100,000km Freeway Plan and 8-year/160,000km battery warranty.
As of March 2023, Audi EVs’ starting prices range from R1,745,000 to R3,359,400.
BMW
BMW and its subsidiary Mini offer a variety of EVs each with its own complimentary perks.
The BMW i4, i7, and iX are supplied with the BMW Charging Card, a Flexible Fast Charger for charging at up to 11kW, and a mode-3 charging cable, however, the iX3 does not get the Flexible charger but does come with the two other accessories.
The manufacturer is currently also running a “Launch Offer” for all its i-badged EVs that includes one year of comprehensive insurance, and for the iX specifically, also a free wallbox charger.
As for the Mini SE, currently the most affordable EV in the country, the battery-powered hatch provides two free charging cables, one for public fast-charging and one for a standard three-prong wall outlet.
All BMW and Mini EVs also benefit from a 5-year/100,000km maintenance plan alongside an 8-year/100,000km battery warranty.
As of March 2023, BMW EVs’ starting prices range from R742,102 to R2,825,000.
Jaguar-Land Rover
All Jaguar-Land Rover (JLR) vehicles sold in South Africa include a comprehensive training session at the company’s Experience Centre in Sandton, and specifically for EVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEV), these sessions include information on how to “maximise the benefits of EV ownership and detail on best charging practices,” said the manufacturer.
Additionally, JLR regularly hosts driving sessions for customers which are designed around specific models, with one of these events catered only to the battery-electric I-Pace.
“Clients at these events are treated to one-on-one sessions with experts, which in the case of fully-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, includes specialists in EV ownership,” said the company.
As with all JLR vehicles, the EV and PHEVs selling prices also include a 5-year/100,000km “care plan” – and for the I-Pace, an additional 8-year/160,000km battery warranty.
As of March 2023, the Jaguar I-Pace has a starting price of R2,249,000.
Mercedes-Benz
Purchasing one of Mercedes-Benz’s EQ electric cars in South Africa is accompanied by a free wallbox charger and installation thereof at the customer’s home or place of work.
“This will take place before the customer takes delivery to ease the transition to electric motoring,” said the automaker.
For the EQA, EQB, and EQC electric SUVs, the retail price is complemented by a 5-year/100,000km warranty and 8-year battery warranty, whereas for the pricier EQE and EQS, this battery warranty extends to 10 years.
As of March 2023, Mercedes-Benz EVs’ starting prices range from R1,174,000 to R2,620,500.
Volvo
Volvo’s all-electric XC40 P6 and P8 Recharge, as well as the upcoming C40 Recharge, each comes with a free “Care Package” included in the window sticker.
What this Care Package comprises is a 5-year warranty and maintenance plan, an 8-year battery warranty, as well as a home charger to the value of R25,000.
As of March 2023, Volvo EVs’ starting prices range from R1,075,000 to R1,285,000.
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