Should You Buy an Electric Car in South Africa?

Costs, Considerations, and Sustainability

As the world moves towards reducing its carbon footprint, electric cars have become an attractive option for environmentally-conscious drivers. However, in South Africa, where the majority of electricity is coal-generated, the sustainability of EVs is questionable. In this article, we will explore why EVs powered by solar energy are the only truly sustainable option in South Africa.

EV Options in South Africa

Currently, there are three car brands with electric car models on the market in South Africa - the BMW i3 and i8, the Nissan Leaf, and the Jaguar Land Rover Jaguar I-Pace, Range Rover plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and Range Rover Sport PHEV. While these vehicles may be appealing to environmentally conscious drivers, they come with a high price tag, ranging from R 479 100 (Nissan Leaf) to R2 095 200 (BMW i8). 

The Coal-Generated Electricity Dilemma

In South Africa, over 80% of electricity is coal-generated which releases substantial amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. As as result, unless the electricity used to charge electric cars is sustainably or renewably sourced, they can contribute to the increase in carbon emissions (1). So basically if you’re charging your car on Eskom,  it’s technically worse for the environment for you to be driving an electric car than a diesel car (2).

If you want to be Sustainable, Should you really Invest in an Electric Car?

Solar power is the only truly sustainable option for electric cars in South Africa. With the right infrastructure, EVs can be charged using solar power, thus reducing carbon emissions and reliance on coal-generated electricity. The use of solar energy for charging them not only makes them environmentally-friendly, but also contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of the electricity grid. 

The batteries of these vehicles may be charged at home with a compatible socket to the charging cable, turning the initial expense into an investment.

Alternatives to Electric Cars

For those who find the cost of owning an electric car unreasonable, there are other ways to reduce carbon emissions when commuting. Walking, cycling, or using public transport are all viable options. Private cars are often the most convenient mode of transport in South Africa, but carpooling to work can reduce the number of cars on the road, thus reducing carbon emissions. Otherwise, there are several fuel-efficient and CO2-friendly cars available to lower your footprint, providing the best alternative to solar powered electric vehicles. Read our article: The Most Eco-Friendly Cars in South Africa, which provides options across different categories, including prices to help you make an informed decision.

While electric cars are an excellent option for reducing carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, in South Africa, their sustainability is dependent on using renewable energy sources.

(1) Carbon Brief

(2) Biz News