South Africa is experiencing its own electric vehicle surge.
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Europe has strengthened its position as the world's fastest-growing major electric vehicle market, with new figures from the International Energy Agency (IEA) showing EV sales increased by more than 30% across the continent in 2025.
The IEA's latest Global EV Outlook report found that electric vehicles accounted for 28% of all new vehicle sales in Europe last year, meaning almost one in every three new vehicles sold was fully electric.
The agency expects this momentum to continue throughout 2026, forecasting a further 20% increase in EV sales across the European Union.
Early signs suggest the market remains on track, with electric vehicle sales during the first quarter of 2026 already up by 30% compared with the same period a year earlier.
According to the IEA, stricter European Union CO2 regulations remain one of the primary drivers behind the shift, encouraging manufacturers to introduce more affordable electric models and adjust pricing strategies to meet emissions targets.
Despite proposed regulatory changes that could temper some longer-term ambitions, the agency still expects EVs to account for more than 90% of vehicle sales in Europe by 2035.
While Europe continues to lead the charge, South Africa is experiencing its own electric vehicle surge, albeit from a much smaller base.
Data from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) shows that 544 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) were sold locally during the first quarter of 2026, more than double the volume recorded during the same period last year.
March set a new monthly record with 389 electric vehicles sold, and April surpassed that with 403 units. Combined, at least 947 fully electric vehicles were sold through official Naamsa reporting channels during the first four months of the year.
Much of the recent growth has been driven by the arrival of more affordable Chinese electric vehicles.
BYD's inclusion in Naamsa reporting figures has highlighted the scale of demand for lower-priced EVs.
The company's Dolphin Surf, priced from R341,900, emerged as South Africa's top-selling electric vehicle in April, recording 302 sales.
Geely then raised the stakes with the launch of the E2 Aspire, priced from R339,900, which is now the most affordable electric vehicle in South Africa.
The significance of the recent growth becomes clear when viewed against last year's market performance.
The 792 electric vehicles sold in March and April represent more than 70% of South Africa's total annual EV sales recorded during 2025, when 1 138 BEVs were sold.
Commenting on the European market's growth, Automobile Association (AA) CEO Bobby Ramagwede said: "Europe's rapid adoption of electric vehicles shows what can happen when policy, pricing and consumer demand begin working together."
He said South Africa is starting to see more affordable electric models enter the market, but added that the industry needs to consider whether these vehicles are truly competitive for the average motorist once taxes, duties and levies are taken into account.
"The reality is that electric mobility will remain a niche option unless pricing becomes more accessible," Ramagwede said.
He added that the conversation extends beyond the vehicles themselves.
"At the same time, the conversation is not limited to the vehicles. We also need to consider charging infrastructure, energy security and whether our broader mobility ecosystem is ready for meaningful adoption.
"Local consumers need practical and affordable choices, not simply more options on paper."