Hybrids drive South Africa’s transition to greener motoring as NEV sales surge

Hybrid vehicles are leading South Africa’s shift to cleaner motoring, with New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sales increasing 82% year-on-year (YoY). According to AutoTrader’s latest Mid-Year Industry Report, conventional hybrid vehicles are leading the transition to electric cars in South Africa. In fact, hybrids account for 84% of all NEVs sold between January and June, making them the actual driver behind eco-friendly transport in South Africa.

At the forefront of this trend is the locally manufactured Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, the country’s most popular hybrid model and the nation’s top-selling NEV. While fully-electric vehicles (also known as BEVs) grew by a healthy +65% YoY, they remain a smaller slice of the market compared with hybrids. The best-selling EV, the Volvo EX30, amassed 64 sales during this period, which is lower than the seven best-selling used hybrids (see table below).

The Corolla Cross Hybrid dominates the segment, with an impressive 700 examples sold in the first six months of the year. During the same period, 2,049 hybrid cars were sold, underscoring the strong demand for these vehicles. In total, 2,446 new energy vehicles were sold, showing that hybrids are dominating the segment.

“What’s happening in South Africa isn’t just a shift in vehicles, it’s a shift in mindset,” commented George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader. Buyers are seeking solutions that balance practicality with sustainability, and hybrids are demonstrating that the path to cleaner mobility doesn’t have to compromise everyday life or come at a high cost. The market is showing incremental change can drive real momentum toward a greener future.”

Unsurprisingly, Toyota—a pioneer of hybrid technology, having introduced the Prius as far back as 1997—dominates the charts, with the RAV4 Hybrid following in second place, having sold 177 units during the same period. It’s worth noting that the Corolla Cross Hybrid represents excellent value, with an average selling price of R434,408—more than R200,000 cheaper than the average selling price of its RAV4 hybrid stablemate.

Toyota’s ever-popular Hilux and Fortuner are also on the list. Still, it is worth noting that while these are marketed as hybrid vehicles, they are mild hybrids and don’t offer the ability to drive solely on electric power. Instead, the 48-volt hybrid system in these vehicles enhances fuel efficiency, provides extra power, and enables a smoother startup sequence. Other Toyota vehicles listed within the top 10 include the Corolla and the Lexus NX.

While the Japanese giant may have the biggest slice of the hybrid pie, the Chinese automakers are making inroads, having launched a slew of hybrid and electric vehicles over the past six months. While the Haval H6, Haval Jolion, and GWM Tank 300 are the only Chinese entrants on the top 10 list now, the next six months may tell a different story altogether, especially with newcomers from Chery, MG, Jaecoo, and Omoda.

Despite many luxury vehicles being available with hybrid or plug-in hybrid drivetrains, just two of the ten best-selling hybrids are from premium brands. This includes the Volvo XC90—one of the first vehicles to be made available with PHEV technology—and the aforementioned Lexus NX.

The reasons are clear. With a history of load shedding and patchy charging infrastructure, battery-electric vehicles are a difficult fit for many households, while hybrids offer the reassurance of petrol power with meaningful efficiency gains. They also come at a lower entry price, making them an accessible option for drivers who want to go greener without compromises.

Even though the average price of a used hybrid car increased by 3% YoY (from R678,669 to R696,169), the average selling price of an electric vehicle is 39% higher than that of a hybrid car, highlighting the notable difference in affordability—a key concern for South African consumers.

Globally, the sale of fully electric cars is accelerating, with countries in Europe, China and North America leading the charge. According to BloombergNEF’s annual Electric Vehicle Outlook, China accounts for nearly two-thirds of electric vehicle sales, followed by Europe at 17% and the United States at 7%2.  However, South Africa is taking a more measured approach, one where hybrids serve as a practical bridge to wider EV adoption in the future.

As government policy evolves and energy reliability improves, BEVs will likely play a greater role. For now, hybrids are the technology that makes the most sense for South African roads, balancing cost, range and convenience. Mzansi’s green motoring shift is underway, and it’s the hybrid, not the fully electric car, that is leading the revolution.

Top 10 Sold Used Hybrid Models Between January and June 2025

Top 10 Most Listed Used Hybrid Models Between January and June 2025

Source:

1. AutoTrader Car Industry Mid-Year Report

2. https://about.bnef.com/insights/clean-transport/global-electric-vehicle-sales-set-for-record-breaking-year-even-as-us-market-slows-sharply-bloombergnef-finds/