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South Africa BEV sales up 230% year on year but still under 1% of market, says Naamsa

By Eve

Battery electric vehicle sales in South Africa grew approximately 230% year on year, according to the latest Naamsa figures, though BEVs still account for less than 1% of the local market. Peter van Binsbergen, writing in a commentary piece, highlights the recent launch of the Charge N3 Roadside ultra-fast charging station at Leeukop farm stall in the Free State as progress in charging infrastructure rollout. He argues that a clear government and industry strategy, alongside expanded charging infrastructure at shopping centres and along highways, is essential to drive higher EV adoption rates in South Africa.

Why it matters

Despite triple digit growth, South Africa's sub 1% BEV market share underscores the chicken and egg challenge facing charge point operators: infrastructure investment depends on adoption, yet adoption hinges on visible, convenient charging networks. The Charge N3 station example signals early corridor buildout, a critical step for CPOs targeting long distance and commercial fleet segments in the region.

Source

Original title
“PETER VAN BINSBERGEN | Charging stations key to sparking EV adoption in South Africa”
Published
22 August 2026
Updated
24 August 2026
Also covered by
timeslive.co.za

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