The BMW i3. Image: Supplied
South Africans searching greener pastures for electric cars and hybrids
While South Africans might not appear quite as passionate about electric cars as motorists in electric car-besotted countries, such as Norway, we are going greener.
The BMW i3. Image: Supplied
This is according to the 2020 AutoTrader Car Industry Report which reveals that electric cars and hybrid searches are increasing in consumer consideration. As the largest digital automotive marketplace in South Africa, AutoTrader provides unparalleled insight into car-buying patterns in the country.
Norway is the country in the world with the most electric cars. In fact, for every 1 000 people in that country, there are 55 electric vehicles. In March 2019, an incredible 60% of all new cars sold in Norway were entirely electric powered, according to Euronews.
AutoTrader CEO George Mienie commented that we’re a long way off achieving those figures in South Africa.
“It’s not that South Africans don’t want to own an electric vehicle. It’s likely to be more about affordability. High import duties, as well as the lack of government subsidies, make electric cars quite pricey in this country – placing them out of the reach of many South Africans,” he explained.
However, many South Africans are still eyeing an electric vehicle or hybrid.
Shopping for something green: What tops the searches?
So, when they do go shopping for something green, what vehicles do they most desire?
Electric cars:
Mienie revealed that the top three most-searched-for electric cars are the BMW i3, BMW 3 Series and Jaguar I-Pace.
“The search for the BMW 3 Series is particularly interesting because it’s not available on the market. Clearly, motorists would like a 3 Series with an electric engine though,” he noted.
Spy photographs of the new electric BMW 3 Series have, however, been widely published – meaning an electric derivative of this popular sedan could make its way to South Africa one day.
Hybrids:
When it comes to hybrids, the most-searched-for model is the Volvo XC90, which is searched for far more often than the second and third-placed models.
“In No 2 is the Toyota Yaris followed by the BMW 3 Series once again,” revealed Mienie.
Neither the Toyota Yaris nor the BMW 3 Series is available new in hybrid guise.
However, the search data suggests that, should the OEMs launch these cars as new, they would be snapped up — both by new car buyers and also ultimately by used car purchasers.
