JOHANNESBURG, Nov 2 – South Africa’s new energy vehicle (NEV) sales exceeded the full-year 2025 total in the first nine months of 2026, reflecting growing demand for electrified vehicles as more models enter the market and fuel prices remain elevated.
Data from industry body naamsa showed that cumulative sales of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), traditional hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) reached 22,389 units between January and September.
The figure represents a 34% increase from the 16,703 NEVs sold throughout 2025.
The adoption trend became more pronounced in September, when one in every nine vehicles sold in South Africa was classified as a new energy vehicle, according to naamsa.
Overall vehicle sales, including conventional petrol and diesel-powered models, also recorded growth. Total sales increased by 10.4% year-on-year in October to 61,890 units, the industry body’s data showed.
Battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids accounted for a combined 50.5% of year-to-date NEV sales by September, slightly exceeding the 49.5% share recorded by traditional hybrids.
Within the category, sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles reached 8,082 units during the first nine months of the year, while battery-electric vehicle sales stood at 3,217 units. Traditional hybrid vehicles accounted for 11,090 units.
The expansion has been supported by a wider selection of electrified models entering the South African market, particularly from Chinese automakers including Chery Group, Great Wall Motor and BYD.
Analysts have also identified elevated international oil prices as a factor encouraging consumers and businesses to consider alternatives to conventional vehicles.
“As fuel prices surge, many consumers and businesses are increasingly recognising the long-term financial benefits of switching to electric mobility,” said Hiten Parmar, executive director of market advisory firm Electric Mission.
The figures point to a gradual shift in South Africa’s automotive market, with electrified vehicles accounting for a growing share of new sales. The continued expansion of model availability and the relative cost of conventional fuels are likely to remain important factors influencing adoption.
