What South African EV buyers should check before buying

South Africans eyeing an electric vehicle should assess whether they can consistently charge it, estimate the electricity expenses, and consider the vehicle's resale value, cautions the Automobile Association (AA). AA's CEO, Bobby Ramagwede, noted that electric vehicles are becoming viable for motorists, but lower operating costs don't guarantee they're the optimal purchase. He emphasized that consumers should carefully weigh the risks, as electric vehicles are essentially "buying a battery with wheels attached."

Reliable home charging is vital. Homeowners with garages and wall-mounted chargers can sidestep higher tariffs at public fast-charging stations. However, residents in flats or properties lacking dedicated charging facilities may struggle to reap financial benefits from electric vehicles. Ramagwede stressed the importance of dependable electricity supply; areas with inconsistent power could render an EV purchase imprudent.

Work or other reliable locations for charging could serve as alternatives, but only if they coincide with the driver's routine. Ramagwede recommended a vehicle with at least 300km of range to satisfy many drivers' needs for short daily drives. Long-term ownership, though, raises different concerns. Battery health impacts an electric car's value, and financiers possess limited long-term data on how EV batteries perform and affect resale prices compared to petrol and diesel vehicles.

Ramagwede pointed out that vehicle manufacturers might shift focus towards hydrogen-powered cars. Though hydrogen technology remains underutilized, he questioned how such a shift might influence the future resale market for battery-electric vehicles. Such uncertainties are significant for buyers with long-term finance, particularly balloon payment contracts, which may exceed the car's resale value. Ramagwede cautioned that balloon payments can still attract interest, leaving buyers with larger liabilities than anticipated.

He advised buyers to research vehicle reliability, warranties, and after-sales service before purchasing. The AA has previously faced technical and warranty-related issues with newer petrol and hybrid vehicles, underscoring the necessity for buyers to investigate a manufacturer's reliability record and post-sale support. Ramagwede emphasized that broad EV adoption necessitates action from government, manufacturers, financiers, and charging companies.

He advocated for government incentives to lower purchase prices, reliable electricity, and more affordable public charging for those without home chargers. Furthermore, Ramagwede called for a reevaluation of vehicle taxes, arguing that outdated thresholds are making entry-level vehicles unnecessarily costly.