One of the biggest drawcards of purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) in South Africa is not worrying about fuel costs. However, the cost of EVs is still a sore point, given the higher import duties when compared to an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.

EV charging

For the longest time, EVs in South Africa cost over R1 million, and over the last few years, we’ve had a handful of smaller entrants come in at under a million rand.

These include the GWM Ora, Mini Cooper SE, BYD Atto 3, and, launching in February 2024, the highly anticipated Volvo EX30. Other smaller EVs earmarked for SA in 2024 include the BYD Dolphin and a new range of Minis, including a Countryman and Aceman with pricing yet to be revealed.

The Ora is currently the least expensive EV in SA, starting at R686 950, and the Volvo EX30 will start at R775 900. While still considered an expensive vehicle, these EVs have become accessible to more buyers.

So, how much would it cost to charge an EV in SA?

EV: Types of chargers

In SA, a type 2 charger is used for all models that are currently on sale here, thus allowing EVs to make use of any public charger. It is the equivalent of a USB-C cable that can be used on different phones.

You get two types of chargers, alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). AC chargers have a 22kW maximum charging speed, whereas the maximum DC charging speed in SA is 200kW.

For EVs to achieve higher charging speeds, which is not always the case; certain conditions need to be met.

These include the maximum charging speed on the vehicle, how the car optimises charging, and how many cars are plugged into the DC charger. Charging speeds fluctuate throughout the charge.

Public charging

The current rate to use public chargers in South Africa, as of 1 June 2023, costs R7.35 per kWh on a DC fast charger and R5.88 on an AC charger.

According to Winstone Jordaan, MD of GridCars, DC chargers have two purposes: speed and convenience, with current-gen chargers being able to handle 200km in 20 minutes, which is suited for when you are far from home or doing extensive intercity travel.

This explains why the handful of 200kW chargers in SA are strategically positioned on national highways, apart from the solar-powered one at the Mall of Africa.

If we look at a car like the GWM Ora with its 63kWh battery, it will cost R463 to fully charge from 0% at a DC charger (R7.35 per kWh x 63).

However, one would not go to a charger at 0% and it is widely recommended to charge when you’re at 20% or not let it drop below this point. Your EV will also notify you when to charge it.

The last time I had a GWM Ora on test, I charged it when it was on 17% and took it up to 98%. I was billed R328.76 for the 55.889kWh charged at the AC rate of R5.88 per kWh.

Home charging

Home charging makes the most sense for EV owners. Most of the premium manufacturers include a home wallbox charger with the purchase of their EVs.

Otherwise, a third party one can be purchased from the likes of GridCars, EV Charge, Rubicon, Blue Plug or via Takealot.

I have an AC wallbox charger at home with a maximum charging speed of 7.4kW. Based on my Eskom bill and the rates I’m charged based on usage, it would cost me R2.1779 per kWh for up to 600kWh of usage and R3.4391 for anything above 600kWh.

Based on the above, it would cost a maximum of R137.20 to charge the 63kWh battery earlier in the month, vs. R216.66 later in the month. But, as mentioned, I would not run it down to 0% before recharging.

Home charging is convenient if you work around load shedding slots and trickle charge.

If you trickle charge for about an hour or two daily vs. overnight or longer slots where load shedding could affect it, it will keep your EV always topped up. You also wouldn’t need to rely on public chargers unless there is load shedding, and it’s urgent.

In instances where I experience load shedding, I drive to the nearest dealership within my vicinity for a charge that’s not in the same slot as me.

Originally published in the City Press online.