Hybrids dominate South Africa’s growing new-energy vehicle market

Hybrid vehicles continue to dominate South Africa’s growing new-energy vehicle market, with sales significantly outpacing fully electric models during the first half of 2026.

South Africa sold 13,193 new-energy vehicles (NEVs) between January and June 2026, accounting for 4.1% of the total new vehicle market, according to new data from Naamsa.

Conventional hybrid vehicles made up the largest share of NEV sales, with 6,667 units sold during the first six months of the year. This represented 50.5% of all NEV sales.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) followed with 4,623 units sold, giving them a 35% share of the NEV market.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 1,903 sales, or 14.4% of NEV sales.

Hybrids dominate South Africa’s growing new-energy vehicle market

Related reading

New Energy Vehicles gaining sales ground in SA, but hybrids remain the real…

South Africa's EV market reaches its tipping point

PHEV Sales Continue to Record Phenomenal Growth in South Africa - CleanTechnica

South Africa’s EV market rockets as Europe maintains global dominance

SA’s electric vehicle sales rev up as fuel costs bite

Electric, hybrid vehicles increasingly price competitive – Lightstone