Most affordable new electric car showdown

There are four electric vehicles (EVs) available in South Africa in April 2024 for less than R1 million, with varying levels of performance, range, and features.

MyBroadband compared the entry-level and top-end models of each of these cars to see what was available for an EV buyer interested in the more affordable models in the country.

The cheapest new EV currently available in South Africa is the GWM Ora 03, priced from R686,950.

At around R80,000 less than the two next-most affordable options, it makes sense that it offers less power and range.

Nevertheless, its 126kW output, 250Nm torque, and acceleration of 0–100km/h in 8.2 seconds is nothing to be shy of and compares well with non-EV models in its price class, like the Audi A1 and BMW 1-series.

The main distinguishing factors for the entry-level and top-end model, which cost around R150,000 more, is range on a single charge.

The base Ora 03 300 Super Luxury has a WLTP range of 310km on its 50kWh battery, while the top-end 400 GT Ultra Luxury model can travel up to 400km on its 60kWh pack.

The next most affordable model comes from Chinese electric giant BYD and starts at R768,000.

The Atto 3 compact SUV boasts 150kW peak output and 310Nm torque, making it capable of going from a standstill to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.

In terms of range, it only offers slightly more than the entry-level Ora 03 with up to 345km on a single charge.

The Extended Range version features the same powertrain but has a larger battery pack that can provide up to 420km range, if you are willing to pay

A standout feature of the BYD Atto 3 is its vehicle-to-load capability, which allows for using the car as a portable power station for multiple appliances, with a peak output of up to 3.3kW.

It can supply the average household’s electricity demands for well over a day, even on its entry-level battery.

If performance is your primary concern, you should look no further than the Volvo EX30.

The Atto 3 starts at around R7,000 less than the EX30 Core, but the latter offers substantially better performance with a peak output of 200kW and 343NM torque.

That makes it capable of going 0–100km/h in 5.3 seconds.

The more expensive dual-motor version can achieve the same in just 3.6 seconds, making it Volvo’s fastest model.

The top-end Ultra variant also comes with a larger 69kWh battery capable of covering up to 460km between charges.

The impressive performance and improved range add over R200,000 to the price tag of the entry-level model.

Nevertheless, at just under R1 million, it is the most affordable car in South Africa that can accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in less than four seconds.

The Mini Cooper SE Hatch had the highest entry-level price of the four models under R1 million, despite being the smallest and only one with just two doors.

In terms of performance and range, the entry-level and top-end models are identical, with the higher-end Resolute Edition’s roughly R32,000 premium going towards finishing.

While it has slightly more power than the Ora 03, its small 32.6kWh battery pack can only provide up to 234km of range.

At just 49kW, its fastest charging speed for public chargers is also the lowest of the bunch.

However, this model is set to be replaced by a new version with significant improvements across the board.

It features a 160kW/330Nm powertrain, faster 0–100km/h acceleration in 6.7 seconds, 95kW DC charging speeds, and up to 402km range.

BMW is yet to reveal pricing for the new model in South Africa, but if pricing in other markets is anything to go, it could upstage its rivals.

In Australia, pricing starts at AU$53,990 (R659,057) — AU$10,985 (R134,092) less than the outgoing model.

At $64,975 (R793,000), its price was just slightly more expensive than the South African price of the old Mini Cooper SE.

The main reason for the price reduction is that the new version has been built from the ground up as an EV through a partnership with GWM. In fact, it shares a platform with the Ora 03.

The table below compares the specifications and pricing of the entry-level and top-end versions of South Africa’s four most affordable electric cars in April 2024.