Thabo Nkosi 
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more accessible in Africa, with several models now priced under $30,000 (around R400,000). Chinese manufacturers like BYD, Dayun, and Dongfeng are leading this shift, offering affordable options with practical features for urban and budget-conscious drivers. Here’s a quick look at three key models:
- BYD Dolphin Surf: Starting at $18,900 (R339,900), it offers a range of 144–183 miles and a 30–38.8 kWh battery.
- Dayun S5: Priced at $22,200 (R399,900), it delivers a 205-mile range with a 31.7 kWh battery.
- Dongfeng Box E1 330: At $25,500 (R459,000), it provides a 205-mile range and a 32.6 kWh battery, with stronger performance than its competitors.
These EVs cater to varying needs, from affordability to range and performance, making electric mobility more practical for everyday use.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Price (from) | Range (miles) | Battery Capacity | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BYD Dolphin Surf | $18,900 (R339,900) | 144–183 | 30–38.8 kWh | 74 hp (55 kW) |
| Dayun S5 | $22,200 (R399,900) | 205 | 31.7 kWh | 47 hp (35 kW) |
| Dongfeng Box E1 330 | $25,500 (R459,000) | 205 | 32.6 kWh | 94 hp (70 kW) |
Each model offers specific strengths, from the Dolphin Surf’s affordability to the Box E1 330’s performance. Your choice depends on your budget and driving needs.
Affordable Electric Cars Under R400K in South Africa 2025: Price, Range & Performance Comparison
I Drove the BYD Dolphin Surf and Found the CHEAPEST EV in SA
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1. BYD Dolphin Surf
The BYD Dolphin Surf is setting a new standard for affordable electric vehicles in Africa, especially in South Africa. With its practical range and accessible pricing, it’s becoming a go-to choice for electric mobility.
Price
The Dolphin Surf is available in two trims: the Comfort, priced at $21,500, and the Dynamic, priced at $24,700. This makes it nearly $3,800 cheaper than the Dayun S5. Both trims come with a 7 kW home charging station and a 3-year/37,000-mile service plan included in the price.
Range
The Comfort trim offers a WLTP-rated range of 144 miles, while the Dynamic stretches that to 183 miles. For urban drivers covering 30–40 miles daily, this means several days of driving on a single charge. The Dolphin Surf also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, allowing it to serve as a mobile power source for external devices – perfect for power outages or remote locations.
Battery Capacity
The Comfort version is equipped with a 30.08 kWh Blade Battery, while the Dynamic gets a larger 38.88 kWh pack. Both batteries come with an 8-year/124,000-mile warranty, offering peace of mind. The Comfort supports DC fast charging up to 30 kW, and the Dynamic can handle up to 40 kW. Safety is also a priority, with the Dolphin Surf earning a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2025, scoring 82% for adult occupants and 86% for child occupants.
Performance
Both trims are powered by a 55 kW (73 hp) front-wheel motor delivering 100 lb-ft of torque. The top speed is capped at 81 mph. The Comfort accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 14.2 seconds, while the Dynamic, with its larger battery, does it in 15.5 seconds. Measuring just 12.9 feet in length, the Dolphin Surf is perfectly suited for navigating and parking in crowded urban areas.
"The BYD Dolphin Surf represents our belief that sustainable mobility shouldn’t be out of reach, it should be an exciting, everyday reality for real people, in real cities, living real lives." – Ming Xing, Brand and Marketing Manager, BYD
2. Dayun S5
The Dayun S5, previously known as the Dayun Yuehu in China, is gaining attention as South Africa’s most affordable electric vehicle. Imported and distributed by Enviro Automotive, this compact four-seater is tailored for urban drivers who prioritize cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
Price
The Dayun S5 is available in two trims: the Standard version at R399,900 and the VIP version at R449,900. Both models come with a 3-year/60,000 km (37,000 miles) service plan and mechanical warranty. The battery is backed by a 5-year/120,000 km (74,500 miles) warranty, offering extra peace of mind for buyers [13, 16].
Range
With a WLTP-rated range of 330 km (205 miles) on a single charge, the S5 delivers enough power for most urban commutes. Real-world performance typically achieves 300 km (186 miles), depending on driving habits. For optimal efficiency, the vehicle performs best at speeds around 80 km/h (50 mph). However, driving near its top speed of 115 km/h (71 mph) can noticeably decrease its range. For city dwellers, it’s perfect for daily trips of 25–30 miles, often covering several days on a single charge [13, 17].
Battery Capacity
The S5 features a 31.7 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery, consuming an average of 6.7 kWh per 62 miles (100 km). Charging options include DC fast charging, which takes the battery from 20% to 80% in under an hour, and AC charging at 6 kW, which requires about 4 hours for a full charge using a standard 220V connection. For home charging, the cost is approximately R76, based on standard electricity rates.
Performance
Powered by a 35 kW (47 hp) front-mounted motor delivering 105 Nm (77 lb-ft) of torque, the Dayun S5 has a top speed of 115 km/h (71 mph). Its compact size – 12.1 ft long, 5.5 ft wide, and 5.2 ft high – makes it ideal for navigating crowded city streets, comparable to the dimensions of the Renault Kwid. The VIP trim adds features like four ultrasonic radars, LED daytime running lights, and remote app connectivity [13, 16].
"The Yuehu S5 is a game-changer for its efficiency and low commuting costs. It surpasses small petrol and diesel city cars in terms of cost savings and performance."
- Gideon Wolvaardt, Managing Director, Enviro Automotive
3. Dongfeng Box E1 330
The Dongfeng Box E1 330 represents a step forward in affordable electric mobility, offering a mix of enhanced performance and warranty perks that set it apart from models priced strictly under R400,000.
Launched in South Africa in January 2026, the Box E1 330 is Dongfeng’s first fully electric vehicle for the local market. While its price of R459,000 slightly exceeds the R400,000 benchmark, it remains one of the more competitively priced EVs available in South Africa. With a compact length of about 13.2 feet, this hatchback is purpose-built for city driving.
Price
With a price tag of approximately $25,500 (R459,000), the Box E1 330 costs around $6,600 more than the BYD Dolphin Surf. However, it compensates for this higher cost with a 5-year/93,200-mile vehicle warranty and an 8-year/124,300-mile battery warranty. Standard features on the base model include 16-inch alloy wheels, a 12.8-inch infotainment display, and interiors made with eco-friendly materials. These added benefits and features make the Box E1 330 an attractive choice despite its higher price point.
Range
The Box E1 330 offers a claimed range of 205 miles (330 km) under the Chinese CLTC cycle. In more realistic conditions, drivers can expect about 168 miles (271 km) based on the WLTP cycle or around 144 miles (232 km) as estimated by EPA standards. For convenience, DC fast charging can replenish the battery from 30% to 80% in roughly 30 minutes, while an eight-minute charge adds around 124 miles (200 km) of range.
Battery Capacity
The vehicle is powered by a 32.6 kWh lithium-ion battery paired with a front-mounted electric motor. This setup delivers 94 hp (70 kW) and 118 lb-ft (160 Nm) of torque, enabling the Box E1 330 to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 12.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 87 mph (140 km/h). These performance figures give it a noticeable edge over the BYD Dolphin Surf, which takes about two seconds longer to hit 62 mph.
Performance
With a top speed of 87 mph and solid power output, the Box E1 330 handles highway driving with ease, making merging and overtaking more confident. The 375-liter trunk offers plenty of space for everyday errands, while the interior focuses on simplicity and functionality. Features like rear parking sensors and tire pressure monitoring enhance the overall driving experience, ensuring it remains user-friendly and practical.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Each electric vehicle (EV) in this segment comes with its own set of strengths and compromises, making it essential for buyers to weigh their options carefully.
The BYD Dolphin Surf takes the spotlight as the most affordable EV in South Africa, starting at just $18,900 (R339,900). It’s equipped with modern features like a rotating 10.1-inch touchscreen and LED headlights [24,25]. However, the base model’s driving range is limited to 144 miles (232 km) under WLTP standards, which might not be ideal for those needing more flexibility between charges [24,25].
The Dayun S5 is a budget-friendly city car with a strong range-to-price ratio. For $22,200 (R399,900), it offers a range of 205 miles (330 km) [24,25]. Practical features like cruise control, a rear-view camera, and automatic climate control are included. That said, its 35 kW motor and a top speed of 62 mph (100 km/h) make it less suited for highway driving [24,25].
The Dongfeng Box E1 330 delivers the best performance in the group, boasting a 70 kW motor and a top speed of 87 mph (140 km/h). Buyers can opt for a larger 43.9 kWh battery, extending the range to 267 miles (430 km). However, its $25,500 (R459,000) price tag makes it the most expensive option, which could deter budget-conscious buyers.
Here’s a quick comparison of the key details:
| Vehicle | Price (from) | Range (Claimed) | Battery Capacity | Performance (Power/Torque) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BYD Dolphin Surf | $18,900 (R339,900) | 144–183 miles (232–295 km) WLTP | 30–38.8 kWh | 74 hp (55 kW) / 100 lb-ft (135 Nm) |
| Dayun S5 | $22,200 (R399,900) | 205 miles (330 km) | 31.7 kWh | 47 hp (35 kW) / 77 lb-ft (105 Nm) |
| Dongfeng Box E1 330 | $25,500 (R459,000) | 205 miles (330 km) | 32.6 kWh | 94 hp (70 kW) / 118 lb-ft (160 Nm) |
The BYD Dolphin Surf is the most accessible in terms of price, the Dayun S5 offers an excellent range for budget-conscious buyers, and the Dongfeng Box E1 330 provides the best overall performance, albeit at a higher cost. Choosing the right EV will depend on balancing upfront costs with the features and performance that align with individual driving needs.
Conclusion
Each model we’ve analyzed brings its own mix of affordability, range, and performance to the table. If keeping upfront costs low is your main goal, the BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort stands out at just $18,900 (R339,900). It’s the most budget-friendly option and offers a range that’s well-suited for daily city commutes.
For those prioritizing range over cost, the Dayun S5 is the better choice. With a 205-mile (330 km) range, it outperforms the base Dolphin Surf by an extra 61 miles (98 km), making it ideal for drivers who want to go the extra distance in urban settings.
If you’re after stronger highway performance and don’t mind spending more, the Dongfeng Box E1 330 is worth considering. With its 94 hp (70 kW) motor and a top speed of 87 mph (140 km/h), it offers double the power of the Dayun S5. While its $25,500 (R459,000) price tag exceeds the budget of the other two models, it provides a more versatile driving experience.
Interestingly, all three of these affordable EVs in South Africa for 2026 come from Chinese manufacturers, helping to make electric vehicles more accessible to a wider audience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on whether you value lower costs, extended range, or enhanced performance.
FAQs
What sets the BYD Dolphin Surf apart from the Dayun S5?
The BYD Dolphin Surf and the Dayun S5 bring different strengths to the table when it comes to design, features, and purpose.
The BYD Dolphin Surf starts at $17,800 for the Comfort model and $20,500 for the Dynamic model, making it one of the most budget-friendly electric vehicles in South Africa for 2025. It packs a 55 kW front-wheel-drive motor and offers two battery options: a 30kWh Blade Battery with a range of about 144 miles or a 38.8kWh Blade Battery that extends the range to around 183 miles. With fast-charging capabilities and a focus on urban driving, it’s tailored for first-time EV buyers looking for an efficient and modern city car.
On the other hand, the Dayun S5, priced at under $21,000, is a compact city car launched in July 2025. Its main selling points are affordability and practicality, targeting budget-conscious drivers. While details like range and motor power aren’t highlighted, its compact design and no-frills approach make it a reliable option for urban commuting.
In summary, the BYD Dolphin Surf stands out with its range and advanced battery options, while the Dayun S5 appeals to those prioritizing simplicity and cost-effectiveness for city driving.
Why does the Dongfeng Box E1 330 cost more than other electric models?
The Dongfeng Box E1 330 comes equipped with a larger battery, delivering an estimated range of around 168 miles (WLTP). This extended range makes it a suitable option for longer drives. On top of that, it boasts premium features such as keyless entry, auto-folding mirrors, and heated and ventilated seats, all designed to enhance comfort and convenience. These additions not only add to the driving experience but also make the higher price point reasonable for those looking for an electric vehicle with more features and functionality.
What kind of warranty can I expect for the batteries in affordable electric cars coming in 2025?
Battery warranties for electric cars priced under $400,000 in 2025 will differ based on the manufacturer and model. Generally, these warranties cover the battery for 5 to 8 years or between 100,000 and 150,000 miles, addressing issues like defects or significant capacity loss within that timeframe.
For the most precise information, it’s smart to review the warranty details directly from the manufacturer when purchasing. Many well-known brands include extensive battery warranties to reassure buyers about the car’s dependability and performance over time.
