Are electric cars worth it in South Africa as petrol prices climb?

South Africans facing a record sharp fuel price increase are being forced to rethink what they drive, and what they buy next.

Motoring experts say the spike in petrol and diesel costs is shifting attention toward electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid cars, especially as running costs come under pressure.

But while electric cars may be cheaper to run over time, high upfront costs remain a major barrier.

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Rising fuel prices are now directly influencing purchasing decisions, particularly for consumers who can compare long-term costs.

Electric vehicles are becoming more attractive in this context, especially where charging is cheaper or accessible.

“If you have access to solar… suddenly the cost has changed,” said motoring expert Warren Tucker.

Over time, EVs can offer lower running costs and reduced servicing needs. However, the unpredictability of future fuel prices makes it difficult for many buyers to calculate long-term savings.

Upfront costs remain the biggest hurdle

Despite growing interest, electric vehicles remain expensive to buy.

Battery costs are the main driver, even though prices have declined by about 25% between 2023 and 2024.

“The issue with electric cars is simple… your battery is your biggest cost,” Tucker explained.

Even with falling prices, EVs are still out of reach for many consumers. Used electric cars may offer a more affordable entry point, with prices dropping by around 15% as supply increases.

Hybrid vehicles seen as a practical compromise

Hybrid cars, which combine petrol and electric engines, are currently more popular in South Africa.

They offer lower fuel consumption without the full reliance on charging infrastructure.

Consumers are also wary of fully electric vehicles due to past load shedding concerns and uncertainty around consistent charging.

Hybrids allow drivers to switch between electric power for city driving and petrol for longer trips, making them more flexible.

Charging infrastructure is improving, but still limited

South Africa does have a growing EV charging network, with routes connecting major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Gqeberha and Durban.

However, capacity remains limited.

Charging stations typically have only a handful of points available, which could become a problem if EV adoption increases significantly.

Infrastructure would need to expand alongside demand.

One car, many needs

Unlike wealthier countries, where households may own multiple vehicles, most South Africans rely on a single car for all purposes.

That includes daily commuting, school runs, shopping, and long-distance travel.

This makes range and flexibility critical factors when choosing a vehicle, another reason hybrids are currently more widely accepted than fully electric cars.

Total cost of ownership becomes key

Experts say consumers who can afford to look beyond the purchase price may benefit from considering the total cost of ownership.

Over several years, electric vehicles can become significantly cheaper to run, despite the higher upfront cost.

Battery lifespan, typically around eight years, is a key factor in these calculations.

However, for many households under financial pressure, the initial price remains the deciding factor.

For more information, listen to Tucker on The Money Show using the audio player below: