Thabo Nkosi 
BYD, a global leader in electric vehicles (EVs), is rapidly expanding its presence in South Africa. After entering the market in 2023, the company plans to grow its dealership network from 13 locations to 30–35 by the end of 2026. This move aims to make EVs more accessible, improve after-sales services, and support South Africa’s push toward clean transportation. Key highlights:
- Current Status: 13 dealerships in mid-2025.
- Expansion Plan: 20 dealerships by the end of 2025, 30–35 by 2026.
- South Africa’s EV Growth: EV sales doubled in 2024, reaching 15,611 units.
- Impact: 3,500 jobs, improved EV infrastructure, and increased consumer access.
BYD’s expansion aligns with South Africa’s growing EV market and clean energy goals, aiming to position the country as a leader in EV adoption across Africa.
BYD‘s Dealership Growth Plan and Timeline
Target Cities and Regions
BYD is focusing its dealership expansion on major metropolitan areas and regions where automotive infrastructure is well-established, and disposable incomes are higher. These locations are more likely to see early adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), making them ideal for BYD’s growth strategy. Instead of concentrating solely on a few key cities, the company is working to make its EVs accessible across a range of regions.
This targeted approach not only aligns with early EV adoption trends but also lays the groundwork for building strong local partnerships and investing in customer service infrastructure. By prioritizing regions with the right conditions, BYD aims to create a solid foundation for its dealership network.
Partnerships and Investments
BYD’s growth plan heavily relies on forming partnerships with local businesses to operate its dealerships. These collaborations allow the company to tap into existing automotive expertise and leverage established customer relationships within South Africa’s market.
To ensure high-quality service across its network, BYD is making significant investments in training programs. These initiatives focus on equipping both sales teams and technical staff with the specialized knowledge needed to handle electric vehicles. EVs require unique maintenance and customer support skills, and BYD is committed to meeting those needs.
The company’s partnership strategy goes beyond traditional dealership agreements. BYD is building a comprehensive network that supports both sales and after-sales services. This robust framework positions the company to execute its ambitious dealership growth timeline effectively.
Timeline of Dealership Growth
BYD has outlined a clear timeline for its dealership expansion. Starting with 13 dealerships in mid-2025, the company plans to grow to 20 locations by the end of the same year. By the close of 2026, BYD aims to have between 30 and 35 dealerships in operation.
Steve Chang highlighted this aggressive growth plan, stating:
"By the end of the year, we will have about 20 dealerships around the country. The aim is to expand that to about 30, 35 the next year."
This plan represents a rapid expansion, with the company nearly tripling its dealership count in just 18 months – a 169% growth rate. It reflects one of the most ambitious dealership strategies in South Africa’s automotive market.
The phased rollout aligns with the increasing momentum of South Africa’s EV market. By scaling in stages, BYD can refine its operations, gather market feedback, and build the infrastructure needed for long-term success. Each phase of the plan is designed to strengthen the company’s position and ensure sustainable growth in this emerging market.
How This Affects Consumer Access and Experience
Easier Access to BYD Models
BYD’s plan to grow its dealership network from 13 to 30–35 locations by 2026 is set to make its electric vehicle lineup much more accessible to consumers. With this expansion, potential buyers will have the opportunity to explore BYD’s full range of models – like the ATTO 3, Dolphin, Seagull, Seal, Sealion 6 (hybrid), and Sealion 7 (electric) – right in their own communities. This means consumers can test-drive and purchase vehicles without needing to travel far.
As the local electric vehicle market continues to gain traction, BYD’s increased presence will also play a key role in educating consumers about available EV options. Beyond just showcasing models, the expanded network will help bridge the gap between curiosity and ownership, offering better post-purchase support along the way.
Improved After-Sales and Maintenance Services
One of the major benefits of this dealership expansion is the boost in after-sales support. BYD is equipping its sales and technical teams with the skills needed to handle the unique maintenance requirements of electric vehicles. Every new dealership will provide a full suite of services, including vehicle sales, routine maintenance, and ongoing customer care. This means EV owners can count on specialized servicing close to home.
With more service centers available, customers will also experience shorter wait times for appointments and quicker solutions to any technical issues – making EV ownership a smoother experience overall.
Benefits for Consumers: Financing and Transparent Pricing
The dealership growth will also encourage competitive financing options and straightforward pricing across different regions, which could make EVs more affordable for a wider audience. Enhanced customer support at each location will ensure buyers understand the full cost of ownership, from purchase to maintenance, helping them make well-informed decisions. This increased competition in the local EV market ultimately works in favor of consumers, bringing better deals and services to the forefront.
What This Means for South Africa’s EV Market
Economic Benefits: Jobs and Skills Development
BYD’s ambitious plan to grow from 13 to 100 dealerships by 2026 marks one of the most extensive automotive expansions in the region. This move is expected to generate 3,500 new jobs spanning sales, service, logistics, and management roles. Each dealership is projected to contribute between $33 million and $46 million (R500–R700 million) annually to the local economy, playing a pivotal role in job creation by 2026.
"Chinese companies in Africa should continue to localize their operations, create more local jobs, train more local talent, and further contribute to local people’s well being", said Li Qiang, Chinese Leader.
As part of this expansion, BYD is investing in skills development tailored to the growing EV market. Training programs will focus on electric vehicle technology, battery maintenance, and advanced digital diagnostic systems. This emphasis on workforce development will not only create jobs but also lay the foundation for a skilled labor force capable of supporting a robust EV service network.
Infrastructure Growth and EV Ecosystem Development
BYD’s dealership expansion comes at a critical moment for South Africa’s EV market. The country’s EV and charging infrastructure sector is expected to grow from $471.3 million in 2025 to $1.01 billion by 2029. This rapid growth highlights the increasing demand for a reliable EV ecosystem.
The new dealerships will contribute to this growth by establishing specialized service centers equipped with EV-specific tools and charging stations. Beyond retail, these facilities will support infrastructure development across other related sectors, such as parts supply, logistics, and maintenance services, fostering a more interconnected EV ecosystem.
"South Africa is actually one of the most important automotive markets in the southern Hemisphere. It’s probably the biggest market in all of Africa, so it’s a market that we have to look at and see how we can develop the market".
To address existing infrastructure gaps, BYD plans to forge strategic partnerships and invest in targeted infrastructure projects. These efforts aim to accelerate EV adoption and align with South Africa’s clean energy ambitions.
Faster EV Adoption and Clean Energy Goals
The timing of BYD’s expansion aligns perfectly with a growing interest in electric vehicles among South African consumers. To support this shift, BYD is focusing on educating the market, helping consumers understand the advantages of EV ownership and how to navigate the transition.
This expansion also aligns with South Africa’s broader clean energy objectives. By promoting carbon reduction and renewable energy initiatives, BYD is contributing to the nation’s environmental goals. Affordable models like the ATTO 3 (priced between $33,000 and $40,000 or R500,000 to R600,000) and the Seagull (priced between $23,000 and $30,000 or R350,000 to R450,000) are expected to make EVs more accessible, encouraging widespread adoption.
While South Africa’s electrification journey is still in its early stages – lagging behind markets like China – BYD’s efforts represent a major step forward. This expansion has the potential to position South Africa as a leader in sustainable transportation across the African continent.
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How EV24.africa Supports the EV Ecosystem
Overview of EV24.africa’s Marketplace
EV24.africa is a digital marketplace designed to complement BYD’s expanding dealership network by offering access to electric vehicles across Africa. Featuring over 200 models from more than 25 global brands, the platform also highlights a diverse selection of BYD vehicles, showcasing its expertise in the African EV market.
"Africa is ready for electric vehicles, and EV24.africa is committed to making this transition smooth and accessible. Our goal is to provide a reliable, transparent, and competitive marketplace for EV buyers across the continent." – Axel Peyriere, Co-Founder and CEO of AUTO24.africa
The marketplace caters to both new and used EV buyers, giving South African consumers access to BYD models that might not yet be available locally. This digital-first approach ensures that buyers can explore a broad range of options while BYD’s physical dealership network continues to grow.
Key Features and Services
EV24.africa aims to simplify the process of adopting EVs with a range of user-friendly features. Its transparent pricing eliminates hidden fees, enabling buyers to make well-informed decisions. The platform also handles the complexities of import and logistics across all 54 African countries, offering guidance on local regulations to make the process seamless.
Flexible financing options make EVs more accessible to a wider audience, with competitive pricing and payment plans tailored to different budgets. For example, BYD models available on the platform include the BYD ATTO 3 2025 for $47,500, the BYD TANG EV 2024 for $34,700, the BYD YUAN PRO for $10,880, and the BYD DOLPHIN ACTIVE for $11,800.
To further enhance convenience, EV24.africa offers flexible shipping options, including Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and container shipping methods, allowing buyers to choose the most suitable delivery option. These services align with BYD’s rapid growth in the region, making it easier for customers to access their preferred EVs.
How EV24.africa Works with BYD’s Expansion
As BYD continues to expand its physical dealership network, EV24.africa bridges the gap by providing digital access to BYD models in areas where dealerships are not yet established. This approach ensures that buyers in emerging markets can still access BYD’s offerings.
"Electric vehicles are not only about sustainability; they also bring long-term savings on fuel and maintenance. With rising fuel prices and ongoing advancements in charging infrastructure, EVs are becoming a smarter investment. EV24.africa is here to support individuals and businesses in making this transition." – Axel Peyriere, Co-Founder and CEO of AUTO24.africa
China’s BYD to nearly triple South Africa dealers’ network by next year
Conclusion
BYD’s ambitious plan to nearly triple its dealership network – from 13 to 30–35 locations by 2026 – signals a major shift for South Africa’s growing new energy vehicle market. This expansion isn’t just about increasing vehicle sales; it’s a step toward achieving the country’s clean energy goals, including the target of making 20% of new cars electric by 2025. With the electric vehicle (EV) market set to grow at an annual rate of 18.6% between 2024 and 2028 and projected to hit $140.4 million by 2029, this move lays the groundwork for a cleaner, more sustainable future in transportation.
BYD’s leadership sees South Africa as a critical market for advancing EV adoption across the region. This acknowledgment highlights the country’s potential as a hub for electric vehicle growth on the continent, offering consumers better access to EVs, improved service networks, and competitive pricing.
In addition to expanding physical dealerships, the digital platform EV24.africa plays a key role in the ecosystem. By providing access to electric vehicles in areas without dealerships, this online marketplace ensures that South Africans, regardless of location, can explore and purchase EVs. Together, the physical and digital expansions create a more inclusive and accessible EV market.
This shift not only broadens access to clean transportation but also positions South Africa as a leader in Africa’s transition to electric mobility. As Steve Chang put it:
"We want to educate and cultivate the market of South Africa and make sure that the South African consumers can catch up with the rest of the world".
With a growing network of dealerships and enhanced digital resources, South Africa is well on its way to becoming a driving force in the continent’s electric vehicle revolution.
FAQs
How will BYD’s dealership expansion in South Africa benefit the local economy and job market?
BYD aims to nearly triple its dealership network in South Africa by 2026, growing from about 13 locations to 30–35. This ambitious expansion is expected to bring a wave of economic opportunities, including creating jobs in sales, customer service, and vehicle maintenance. It also promises to attract local investments, further fueling economic activity.
Beyond dealerships, this growth could energize industries like battery production and vehicle assembly, which are crucial for supporting South Africa’s budding EV market. By making electric vehicles more accessible, BYD’s plans align with the region’s goals for advancing sustainable transportation and fostering economic progress.
What is BYD doing to ensure their dealerships in South Africa deliver top-quality support for electric vehicle owners?
BYD has set its sights on establishing a strong presence in South Africa with plans to open over 100 dealerships by 2026. Each dealership will feature dedicated service centers to ensure dependable after-sales support for electric vehicle (EV) owners. This ambitious expansion is backed by local partnerships and investments aimed at building a service infrastructure that makes EV ownership more accessible and convenient.
Beyond expanding its footprint, BYD is focusing on customer satisfaction by offering specialized support services. These include maintenance programs and technical assistance tailored to their EV models. The goal? To improve the overall ownership experience, build trust with customers, and encourage more people to embrace sustainable transportation options throughout the region.
How does BYD’s plan to expand dealerships in South Africa support the country’s clean energy goals and EV growth?
BYD has unveiled an ambitious plan to nearly triple its dealership network in South Africa by 2026, aiming to meet the country’s growing appetite for electric vehicles (EVs) while supporting its clean energy initiatives. The expansion, which targets approximately 35 locations, is designed to make EVs more accessible to South Africans, encouraging a move away from fossil fuels and toward cleaner transportation options.
This move ties directly into South Africa’s broader push to cut carbon emissions and embrace renewable energy solutions. By increasing the availability of EVs, BYD is playing a key role in speeding up the transition to cleaner technologies, aligning with the nation’s goals for a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.
