BYD Says South Africans Are Warming to Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

Tarryn Leigh Solomons

South Africans are becoming increasingly comfortable with electric and hybrid vehicles as fuel prices rise and consumers become more familiar with new energy vehicle technology, according to BYD South Africa.

Speaking at the launch of the new BYD ATTO 2 DM-i in Midrand on Thursday, BYD South Africa Managing Director Steve Chang said attitudes towards electric mobility have shifted significantly since the company entered the local market in 2023.

Fuel Costs Driving Interest in New Energy Vehicles

Chang said early conversations around electric vehicles were dominated by concerns about affordability, charging infrastructure and driving range.

Today, those discussions are becoming more practical.

“When people first started talking about electric vehicles, the concerns were always around price, charging and range anxiety,” said Chang.

“Now people are asking how they can fit the technology into their lives.”

According to BYD, rising fuel prices are playing a major role in changing consumer behaviour.

“The cost of petrol affects everyone. Technology needs to solve practical problems and help people reduce those costs,” Chang said.

BYD Launches New Plug-In Hybrid in South Africa

The launch of the BYD ATTO 2 DM-i forms part of the Chinese automaker’s strategy to expand its presence in South Africa’s growing new energy vehicle market.

The model combines electric power with a traditional petrol engine, allowing motorists to switch between the two depending on driving conditions and requirements.

BYD believes plug-in hybrid technology could appeal to consumers who want the benefits of electric driving without fully committing to a battery-electric vehicle.

Hybrid Vehicles Offer a Middle Ground

BYD South Africa Marketing Director Nomonde Kweyi said the new model gives consumers another option as the market continues to evolve.

“This is about giving people another option,” said Kweyi.

“We know there are still questions around charging, affordability and ownership costs. Those are conversations we continue to have every day.”

Kweyi said BYD has been actively engaging with industry stakeholders on key ownership considerations, including:

• Vehicle finance
• Insurance
• Servicing
• Warranties
• Charging infrastructure

These remain important factors for consumers considering a switch to new energy vehicles.

Growing Dealer Network and Charging Infrastructure

Since launching in South Africa in 2023, BYD has expanded its local footprint through dealership growth and partnerships aimed at improving charging infrastructure.

The company says its long-term goal is to make electric and hybrid vehicles accessible to mainstream buyers rather than only early adopters.

“We want more South Africans to be able to participate in this journey,” Chang said.

South Africa’s EV Market Continues to Evolve

As more manufacturers enter the local new energy vehicle market, competition is increasing across both electric and hybrid segments.

Industry players are now focusing heavily on affordability, running costs and practical ownership experiences as they look to attract consumers who may still be hesitant about making the transition.

For BYD, the changing conversation around electric mobility suggests South African motorists are becoming more open to alternative vehicle technologies as economic pressures and fuel costs continue to influence purchasing decisions.

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