While online searches for electric vehicles continue to soar in SA, consumers are choosing to delay their purchase of electric cars.AutoTrader Electric Vehicle Buyers Survey
According to the study, locals are increasingly choosing to delay their decision to purchase an EV. The number of respondents who stated they would purchase an EV within the next five years dropped – from 74% in 2020 to 72% in 2021.When asked when they would consider purchasing an electric vehicle, most surveyed South Africans expect to purchase an EV from 2027 and beyond.
One of the best ways to increase adoption in SA is to have a wide range of EV models catering to different classifications of buyers. Secondly, notes Mienie, consumers are taking a “wait-and-see” approach to buying EVs because they are still exploring the option of going for a battery electric vehicle, or hybrid vehicle, instead of a fully electric vehicle.
EV views rose 133%, with the Porsche Taycan, Audi RS e-tron and Audi e-tron being the three most viewed EVs, according to AutoTrader data.