Many South Africans see battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) as expensive to buy and run. However, a closer look at the numbers reveals that traditional fuel-powered cars also come with significant costs. And once you make the switch to electric, the savings quickly add up.
The issue of costliness is certainly significant. At the time of writing, the lowest-priced BEV in South Africa is the R400 000 Dayun S5 Standard city car (top speed 110 km/h). For something that can keep up with faster cars on the highway, you would have to spend R540 000 and get the brilliant BYD Dolphin Standard Range, a car that will astound you with its quality, equipment, and ride comfort.
Comparing purchase prices
It’s important to remember that cars in general have suffered super inflation, and many people do not realise that an entry-level Toyota Corolla Hatch petrol hybrid, as an example, costs R536 500 in 2025.
Well-specced small hatchbacks, like the VW Polo and Peugeot 208 models at higher specification levels, aren’t cheap either, with pricing around the R500 000 mark. With that said, it’s still possible to buy a new Suzuki Celerio or Toyota Vitz – using an internal combustion engine – for under R200 000.
Curious about owning an EV? Or perhaps you’ve chosen a BYD Dolphin (or a similar model) over a comparably priced petrol car. Does that mean you’ll be stuck with costly electricity bills? Not at all. The savings begin the moment you drive your BEV off the showroom floor—never again stopping at a petrol or diesel pump as long as you drive electric.
Filling up
A common misconception is that charging a BEV is just as expensive, or even more so, than refuelling a petrol or diesel car. But this simply isn’t true. In reality, charging a BEV can be significantly cheaper than filling up a combustion vehicle.
The only exception is long-distance travel – for example, driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town – where you’d need to rely on fast chargers. In those cases, the energy cost per kilometre may be similar to what an internal combustion engine (ICE) driver pays for fuel.
This article will break down the cost of “refuelling” a BEV at home, compare it to petrol and diesel expenses, and highlight the long-term savings that make BEV ownership a smart financial decision.
Electricity vs petrol/diesel per kilometre
Let’s start by comparing the cost of charging a battery electric vehicle (BEV) to the cost of fuel per kilometre driven. For the average South African BEV owner, home electricity rates range from approximately R3,40 to R3,60 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Most BEVs require around 50 kWh for a full charge, providing roughly 350 kilometres of range in urban driving conditions. This translates to a running cost of about 50 cents per kilometre, which is significantly lower than the R1,25 to R2,50 per kilometre typically spent on petrol or diesel.
Without factoring in additional savings from solar power, it’s already clear that electricity remains a far more cost-effective option than fuel.
Charging flexibility and solar options
Installing solar <paid links> might require an upfront investment, but it’s a major cost-cutting measure in the long term, not forgetting that it keeps the lights on during periods of load-shedding.
By pairing an BEV with solar power, owners can achieve near-zero fuel costs over time, increasing the already impressive savings of BEV ownership.
Long-term savings with BEV ownership
Beyond the per-kilometre savings, BEVs can bring financial benefits in terms of maintenance costs, which we will cover in detail in another article. When we consider both fuel and maintenance savings, the economic advantage of BEVs becomes undeniable over the years. Many BEVs require little more than tyre checks, brake fluid top-ups, and periodic software updates. South African BEV owners can expect significant savings.
Off-peak charging
In many other countries, BEV owners charge their vehicles at home during off-peak hours, often overnight. Off-peak rates are lower, meaning the per-kilometre cost can drop even further. Charging during these times allows for added cost savings.
For example, if you drive 1 500 kilometres per month, charging during off-peak hours could save you hundreds of rands monthly compared to petrol costs. Eskom is yet to introduce lower rates for off-peak electricity use, but the state utility will likely introduce it in the coming years.
Conclusion
Switching to a BEV isn’t just about contributing to a better future; it’s also a savvy financial decision. The low cost per kilometre, potential savings through solar, and reduced maintenance expenses can all add up to make BEV ownership more economical than conventional vehicles.
As fuel prices remain stubbornly high, many South Africans are starting to realise that charging an BEV at home is both cost-effective and convenient. In short, BEVs are poised to become the smarter choice in a world of volatile oil prices often manipulated by oil-producing countries.