Thabo Nkosi 
If you’re looking for affordable electric vehicles (EVs) in Africa, the market now offers several options under $50,000. The BYD Dolphin Surf leads as the most budget-friendly EV, starting at $18,700. Other contenders like the Dayun S5 ($21,900) and BYD Dolphin ($29,600) provide more range and features. For buyers prioritizing performance, the GWM Ora 03 ($37,700) and BYD Atto 3 ($42,000) deliver higher motor power and extended range. Here’s a breakdown of the key models:
- BYD Dolphin Surf: $18,700, 144–183 miles range, 55 kW motor.
- Dayun S5: $21,900, 205 miles range, 35 kW motor.
- BYD Dolphin: $29,600, 211 miles range, 70 kW motor.
- GWM Ora 03: $37,700, 193–261 miles range, 126 kW motor.
- BYD Atto 3: $42,000, 199–261 miles range, 150 kW motor.
Quick Comparison:
| Model | Price (USD) | Range (miles) | Motor Power (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BYD Dolphin Surf | $18,700 | 144–183 | 55 |
| Dayun S5 | $21,900 | 205 | 35 |
| BYD Dolphin | $29,600 | 211 | 70 |
| GWM Ora 03 | $37,700 | 193–261 | 126 |
| BYD Atto 3 | $42,000 | 199–261 | 150 |
Platforms like EV24.africa make it easier to compare EVs across all African countries, helping you find the best fit for your budget and driving needs. Whether you’re commuting in the city or planning longer trips, there’s an EV option for you.
Cheapest Electric Vehicles in Africa: Price, Range, and Power Comparison
I Drove the BYD Dolphin Surf and Found the CHEAPEST EV in SA
1. BYD Dolphin Surf
The BYD Dolphin Surf is making waves in South Africa as the most affordable electric vehicle on the continent. This compact EV comes in two trims – Comfort and Dynamic – catering to different budgets and driving needs. Both trims offer their own set of features, with detailed insights into pricing, battery specs, and performance.
Price (USD)
The Comfort trim starts at $18,880 (R339,900), while the Dynamic version is priced at $21,660 (R389,900). Ming Xing, the Brand and Marketing Manager at BYD South Africa, shared:
"The BYD Dolphin Surf represents a pivotal moment for electric mobility in South Africa. We are bringing a truly affordable and well-equipped urban electric vehicle to the mass market."
Battery Capacity (kWh)
The Comfort model features a 30.08 kWh battery, while the Dynamic version is equipped with a larger 38.88 kWh battery. Both trims deliver 55 kW of power and 135 Nm of torque, but the heavier battery in the Dynamic trim slightly affects acceleration – 15.5 seconds compared to the Comfort’s 14.2 seconds. Additionally, the Dolphin Surf includes Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing it to power small appliances during outages or outdoor activities.
Range (km)
When it comes to range, the Comfort trim offers 232 km (144 miles) on the WLTP cycle, making it ideal for daily city commutes. The Dynamic trim extends the range to 295 km (183 miles), providing more flexibility for longer trips. Both trims support DC fast charging, rated at 30 kW for Comfort and 40 kW for Dynamic. Measuring 3,925 mm in length, the BYD Dolphin Surf is comparable in size to compact cars like the MINI Cooper.
2. Dayun S5
First introduced in July 2025, the Dayun S5 quickly gained attention as a budget-friendly electric vehicle (EV) tailored for city driving. Built in China, this EV is aimed at urban commuters looking for a simple, cost-effective option. Gideon Wolvaardt, Managing Director at Enviro Automotive, shared:
"Only eight units from our first batch of Dayun Yuehu S5 remain after customers placed their orders months in advance. We suggest prospective buyers contact us and pre-order to benefit from our attractive launch pricing."
Price (USD)
The Dayun S5 comes in two trims: the Standard version priced at $21,600 (R399,900) and the VIP trim at $24,375 (R449,900). The VIP model offers added features like a SmartLink app, larger wheels, and ultrasonic parking radars. Both trims include a 5-year or 120,000 km (74,565 miles) battery warranty.
Battery Capacity (kWh)
The S5 is powered by a 31.7 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery paired with a front-mounted motor. Charging is versatile: a standard 220V home outlet can fully charge the battery in about 4 hours, while a DC fast charger can take it from 20% to 80% in under an hour. Its energy consumption is approximately 10.7 kWh per 100 km (62 miles), translating to a full home charge cost of roughly R76 (about $4.11).
Range (km)
Under WLTP testing, the Dayun S5 boasts a range of about 205 miles (330 km). In practical use, a 15.5-mile (25 km) urban trip consumed just 11 miles (18 km) of range. However, highway driving at higher speeds reduces the range more quickly. Tech journalist Nafisa Akabor noted:
"The car’s limited 35kW of power was felt on the highway stretch, with vehicles behind flashing us because of our slow speed."
The vehicle is electronically capped at a top speed of 68 mph (110 km/h), making it more suited for city streets than highways.
Motor Power (kW)
With a 35 kW motor delivering 105 Nm of torque, the Dayun S5 is designed for smooth urban driving. Tests show it typically reaches a peak speed of around 66 mph (107 km/h). For city driving, where speeds usually stay under 50 mph (80 km/h), the motor’s output is efficient and well-matched to its purpose.
3. BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin arrived in South Africa in early 2024, earning the title of the most affordable EV at launch in the region. This compact electric vehicle quickly gained attention as a practical choice for those looking for reliable and cost-effective electric transportation. Let’s dive into its pricing and technical details.
Price (USD)
The Standard Range BYD Dolphin comes with a price tag of around $29,200 (R539,900), positioning it as an accessible option for those entering the EV market in Africa.
Battery Capacity (kWh)
The BYD Dolphin offers two battery configurations to cater to different needs: a 45 kWh battery and a larger 60 kWh battery. The 45 kWh version is equipped with a motor producing 70 kW (94 hp), while the 60 kWh model features a more powerful 150 kW motor (201 hp). This range allows buyers to choose between a budget-friendly option and one with greater performance.
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4. GWM Ora 03
The GWM Ora 03 grabs attention with its retro-inspired design and offers four trim options: 300 Super Luxury, 400 Super Luxury, 400 Ultra Luxury, and 400 GT Ultra Luxury. While it ranks fourth in affordability, its price tag is notably higher compared to some competitors. Here’s a breakdown of what the Ora 03 brings to the table.
Price (USD)
The starting price for the base model, 300 Super Luxury, is around $37,130 (R686,950), positioning it well above the BYD Dolphin. The higher trims, such as the 400 Super Luxury and 400 GT Ultra Luxury, are priced at approximately $41,940 and $45,180, respectively.
Battery Capacity (kWh)
The 300 Super Luxury trim comes with a 48 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, while the 400 series models are equipped with a larger 63 kWh battery, offering a longer range. All variants support DC fast charging, allowing the battery to go from 15% to 80% in just 42 minutes.
Range (km)
The 48 kWh model provides a WLTP range of about 310 km, whereas the 63 kWh variants extend this to roughly 420 km.
Motor Power (kW)
The Ora 03 is powered by a motor delivering 126 kW and 250 Nm of torque. It has a top speed of 158–160 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 8 seconds.
5. BYD Atto 3
The BYD Atto 3 stands out as the most expensive option among Africa’s affordable EV lineup. While it comes with a higher price tag, it compensates with enhanced power and advanced features. Starting at roughly $42,000 (R768,000) for the Standard Range model, this electric SUV offers a well-rounded package for those seeking performance and innovation.
Price (USD)
The Standard Range variant starts at approximately $42,000, while the Extended Range model is priced at around $45,100 (R835,000).
Battery Capacity (kWh)
The Atto 3 uses BYD’s "Blade Battery" technology, which incorporates lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) chemistry. This design prioritizes safety and maintains performance even in extreme temperatures. The SUV is available in two versions:
- The Standard Range model features a 49.92 kWh battery.
- The Extended Range version is equipped with a 60.48 kWh battery.
Both models support DC fast charging with speeds ranging from 70 kW to 88 kW, allowing the battery to charge from 30% to 80% in about 30 minutes. This setup ensures the vehicle remains competitive in terms of range and efficiency.
Range (km)
The 49.92 kWh battery provides an estimated range of 320–345 km, while the 60.48 kWh battery in the Extended Range model pushes the range to around 420 km, based on WLTP testing. The Atto 3’s aerodynamic design, with a drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd, plays a key role in maintaining these impressive range figures.
Motor Power (kW)
The Atto 3 is powered by a 150 kW motor delivering 310 Nm of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds. Additionally, it includes a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) system with a 3.3 kW output, which can power household appliances – an especially useful feature in regions where power outages are common.
Pros and Cons
Every electric vehicle (EV) has its own strengths and limitations. The BYD Dolphin Surf stands out as the most affordable option, equipped with a 55 kW motor and offering a range of 232–295 km. It’s perfect for city driving but lacks the power needed for more demanding conditions. The Dayun S5, on the other hand, extends its range to about 330 km but comes with a smaller 35 kW motor, which may struggle in tougher scenarios.
If you’re looking for a bit more power, the BYD Dolphin offers a 70 kW motor and a 340 km range. However, details about its fast-charging capabilities remain unclear. The GWM Ora 03 takes things up a notch with a 126 kW motor and a 310 km range. Plus, it can charge from 0% to 80% in less than an hour, making it a great choice for those who value quick recharges. That said, its $37,700 price tag might deter budget-conscious shoppers. At the higher end, the BYD Atto 3, priced at $42,000, delivers a powerful 150 kW motor and a 345 km range, appealing to those who prioritize performance and capability.
Here’s a quick comparison of the key specs for these models:
Table: Side-by-side comparison of key specs
| Model | Price (USD) | Range (km) | Motor Power (kW) | Charging (0-80%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BYD Dolphin Surf | $18,700 | 232–295 | 55 | Not specified |
| Dayun S5 | $21,900 | 330 | 35 | Not specified |
| BYD Dolphin | $29,600 | 340 | 70 | Not specified |
| GWM Ora 03 | $37,700 | 310 | 126 | Under 1 hour |
| BYD Atto 3 | $42,000 | 345 | 150 | Not specified |
For those on a tighter budget, the Dolphin Surf and Dayun S5 are appealing options. Meanwhile, buyers seeking higher performance might gravitate toward the Ora 03 or the Atto 3.
Conclusion
Finding an affordable electric vehicle in Africa is now much more accessible. The BYD Dolphin Surf, priced at $18,700, is the most budget-friendly option available. For those looking for a bit more range, the Dayun S5 delivers approximately 205 miles (330 km) on a single charge and costs $21,900, making it a great choice for daily commutes and occasional longer trips.
If you’re after higher performance, the BYD Dolphin at $29,600 features a 70 kW motor, while the GWM Ora 03, priced at $37,700, boasts a more powerful 126 kW motor. For those seeking top-tier power and range, the BYD Atto 3 at $42,000 is a standout option.
Platforms like EV24.africa make it simple to explore and purchase these electric vehicles across all 54 African countries. Whether you need a compact car for city driving or a more robust EV for extended trips, the platform helps you find the right fit for your budget and lifestyle.
For buyers focused on affordability, the Dolphin Surf or Dayun S5 are excellent starting points. If you’re able to spend a bit more, the Ora 03 offers a solid balance of performance and range. The key is to align your daily driving needs with your budget – electric mobility in Africa is no longer a distant dream but a practical option today.
FAQs
What are the main differences between the BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort and Dynamic trims?
The BYD Dolphin Surf is available in two trims: Comfort and Dynamic, each offering distinct features and specifications. Here’s what sets them apart:
The Comfort trim is priced at $18,500 and comes with a 30 kWh Blade battery, delivering a WLTP range of 144 miles. It supports DC fast charging up to 30 kW. Inside, you’ll find a 10.1-inch touchscreen compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the car rides on 16-inch steel wheels.
The Dynamic trim, at $21,000, steps things up with a 38.8 kWh Blade battery, extending the WLTP range to 183 miles and offering faster DC charging at 40 kW. It also adds electrically adjustable seats and a wireless smartphone charging pad for extra convenience.
Both trims are powered by the same 55 kW front-wheel-drive motor and come with a 3-year/62,000-mile vehicle warranty and an 8-year/124,000-mile battery warranty, ensuring peace of mind for buyers.
How does the Dayun S5 perform in city driving compared to highway travel?
The Dayun S5 Mini SUV comes with a 35 kW (47 hp) electric motor delivering 105 Nm of torque. It has a top speed of 68 mph and is powered by a 31.7 kWh battery, offering an estimated range of about 205 miles (WLTP). In urban settings, the S5 shines with its responsive low-speed torque, making stop-and-go traffic a breeze. It cruises comfortably between 25–37 mph, making it a solid choice for short commutes and everyday city driving. The range also holds up well under typical urban conditions.
However, the S5 shows its limitations on highways. While it can technically reach 68 mph, acceleration feels sluggish, and maintaining speeds above 50 mph can be a challenge. Overtaking or keeping up with faster vehicles may feel strained, which makes this SUV far more suited to city streets and suburban roads than extended highway trips.
What are the charging options for the GWM Ora 03?
At the moment, there’s no detailed information about the charging options for the GWM Ora 03. This includes specifics like home AC charging capabilities, DC fast-charging compatibility, connector types, or charging speeds.
To get the most accurate and current details, it’s a good idea to consult the official GWM South Africa specifications or contact a local dealer. They’ll have the information you need, tailored to your location and requirements.
