3 Interesting Facts About Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles are slowly gaining traction in South Africa, with an estimated 120 000 EVs (electric vehicles) to be on South Africa’s roads by 2027, and more than double that number by 2030.

To make the transition of EVs into South Africa smoother, Key Pinetown has put together these 3 interesting facts about electric vehicles to inform your decision making should you be interested in purchasing one.

1. You won’t need to compromise on your daily commute

While early EV models only allowed for driving short distances on a single charge; the technology has since advanced. The more modern vehicles (such as the Mini Cooper SE) now support the average South African commute of approximately 50km per day, ensuring that you won’t run out of juice on the way to and from work.

2. Feel just as safe as you would in a petrol vehicle

There seems to be a common misconception when it comes to EVs and safety - particularly with the primary battery posing a potential hazard in the event of an accident. The reality is that this hazard is present in all vehicles and isn’t exclusive to electric vehicles.

An example of a safety precaution present in EVs, includes the use of collision detectors which are able to anticipate damage to the battery, thereby disconnecting the battery’s fuses.

3. There are actually a surprising number of charging stations in South Africa

Did you know that South Africa has among the most EV charging stations in relation to the total number of EVs within the local market anywhere in the world? This means that should demand shoot up for these vehicles in the near future, there will be plenty of places for you to chill and charge your EV.

The question on the lips of all South African EV enthusiasts in 2024 is: What does the future hold for electric vehicles in South Africa? The answer to this question is a bit cloudy for now, with the government not offering any solid information on time frames or funding of EV projects.

But there are talks in progress about incentivizing new energy vehicle production in South Africa to make them more affordable – so we’ll just have to watch this space for now.