News & Reviews
News
Geely E2 goes on sale in South Africa from R340k
Geely’s E2 electric hatchback has gone on sale in South Africa, priced from R339 900 for the Aspire and R389 900 for the range-topping Apex. Built on a dedicated EV platform, the E2 is larger than it looks: at 4 135 mm long with a 375-litre boot, a 1 320-litre folded capacity and a 70-litre frunk, it offers considerably more space than rivals at similar money. Power comes from an 85 kW rear-wheel-drive motor with a 39.4 kWh LFP battery, good for 325 km on the WLTP cycle.
Five ways to shelter from the oil crisis
The IEA’s new Sheltering from Oil Shocks report was written for governments, but its message lands squarely in South Africa’s backyard. With crude above $100 a barrel and our fuel import dependency fully exposed, the case for an accelerated EV transition has never been more concrete — or more urgent.
Why SA needs fuel efficiency standards – and what they have to do with EVs
South Africa has no fuel efficiency standards, and our petrol is still at Euro 2 – a spec Europe retired in 1997. The result: manufacturers withhold their best engines, consumers pay more to go the same distance, and we breathe the difference. Here’s why that needs to change, and why electric vehicles are already part of the solution.
Reviews
Omoda C9 PHEV – Road Test
A family SUV that runs on electricity for most of the week, outperforms an Audi Q7, and costs a million rand. The Omoda C9 PHEV makes a case that is difficult to argue with.
BYD Dolphin Surf Dynamic – Road Test
The BYD Dolphin Surf Dynamic earns its place as South Africa’s most affordable serious electric car. At R393 900 it offers a five-star Euro NCAP rating, Vehicle-to-Load capability for load-shedding relief, and fuel savings of around R21 000 per 20 000 km over a comparable petrol car. Small boot, divisive steering, big value.
MINI Aceman SE – Road Test
The MINI Aceman SE is a five-door premium electric crossover that drives with the sharp, tactile urgency of a hot hatch. At R897 000 in Classic trim, it brings the Cooper SE’s 160 kW motor and 54.2 kWh battery to a more practical body with genuine rear seats, a 380 km claimed range and an interior that remains one of the most distinctive in the segment. The compromises are real but specific. The rewards are immediate.