BYD, the world’s largest EV manufacturer, has become one of the clearest signals that South Africa’s EV transition is no longer theoretical. It’s here, it’s accelerating faster than anticipated, and it’s driven by a company that has already reshaped global automotive trends.
Steve Chang, Managing Director of BYD Auto South Africa, has signalled aggressive expansion based on strong demand. BYD has fast-tracked its goal of 35 dealerships from 2026 to Q1 2025 and now expects 60–70 outlets by the end of the year. The Dolphin Surf and Shark pickup are leading sales, and BYD aims to install up to 300 fast-charging stations nationwide by 2026. His comments suggest rising consumer readiness for both affordable EVs and plug-in hybrids.
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This is not a generic expansion story. It is a strategic move by an automaker that overtook Tesla in total EV sales in 2023, with over 526,000 vehicles compared to Tesla’s 484,000, and by 2024-2025, widened its lead by combining battery-only EVs and plug-in hybrids at unmatched scale, a company that has rewritten China’s auto dominance and is now looking at Africa with serious intent. And for South Africa, Africa’s most advanced automotive hub, the pace and ambition of BYD’s rollout could influence everything from local industrialisation to energy policy, consumer adoption, and the country’s competitiveness in a global market pivoting away from combustion engines.
South Africa is central to BYD’s Africa ambitions because it is the continent’s largest automotive manufacturing hub and the most mature car market. The country offers strong financing systems, well-established dealerships, a growing charging network, and a national policy push toward New Energy Vehicles starting in 2026. Entering South Africa early gives BYD access not just to local buyers but to a continental market that is positioned to follow a similar transition path.
The NEV market in South Africa remains small but is shifting steadily. NEV sales reached 15,611 units in 2024, accounting for 3% of the total market, while H1 2025 saw over 7,000 NEVs sold. Hybrids dominate by a wide margin, while BEVs remain below 1% of all vehicle sales due to pricing, grid instability, and limited charging access. Still, the national charging network now exceeds 350 stations, and improving incentives are gradually reshaping consumer perceptions.
Two major policy moves are redefining the country’s EV landscape. From March 2026, the government will offer a 150% tax deduction for local EV manufacturing, a transformative incentive expected to attract investment and accelerate the shift away from combustion engines. However, high import duties on fully built EVs, a lack of consumer rebates, and inconsistent charging regulations continue to slow down widespread BEV adoption.
Infrastructure growth is becoming an important catalyst. Alongside private and commercial installations, companies like Zero Carbon Charge are building off-grid solar stations, and BYD’s upcoming 300-charger rollout will further broaden access. Two- and three-wheel EVs are spreading quickly among delivery fleets, making electrification increasingly visible beyond major cities.
BYD’s expansion aligns closely with South Africa’s hybrid-friendly realities, its demand for affordable models, and its need for diverse vehicle options, from compact EVs to pickups. Economically, BYD’s dealership growth will create jobs, expand technical skills, and intensify competition. If the company eventually moves into local manufacturing, it could reinforce South Africa’s export strength and deepen supply chain localisation. Ultimately, BYD’s push marks a pivotal step in South Africa’s transition into the global EV era, setting the foundation for future electrification across the continent.
