Electric Vehicles: The Elitist’s Toy or a Viable Alternative?
In a shocking revelation, the sales of used electric vehicles (EVs) in South Africa have skyrocketed by 78% year on year, according to AutoTrader’s mid-year Car Industry Report. But is this growth a sign of a sustainable future or just a fleeting trend for the wealthy elite?
AutoTrader CEO George Mienie claims that the government is not doing enough to support EV sales, citing the lack of incentives for consumers. "The second-hand EV market is not as buoyant as the new market. It is still moving, but the cars are still too expensive," Mienie said in an interview with TechCentral.
But what’s driving up the prices of these luxury vehicles? According to Mienie, it’s the import duty on EVs, which stands at a whopping 25% compared to the 18% base import duty on internal combustion vehicles. "Why not drop the 25% to 18% and make the difference up in volume?" Mienie asked, suggesting that the government is not doing enough to make EVs accessible to the masses.
Meanwhile, consumer interest in EVs is growing, with views of EV ads increasing on AutoTrader. The average selling price of EVs has also declined, making them more attractive to potential buyers. However, the prices are still out of reach for many South Africans.
So, is the growth in EV sales a sign of a sustainable future or just a fleeting trend for the wealthy elite? As the government continues to incentivize industry but not consumers, it’s clear that the playing field is not level. Until the government takes concrete steps to make EVs more affordable, it’s unlikely that they will become a viable alternative for the average South African.
Don’t miss:
- "Where are the hydrogen-powered cars?" – A look at the lack of progress in the development of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Note: The rewritten content is more provocative and controversial, highlighting the issue of affordability and accessibility of electric vehicles in South Africa. It also questions the sustainability of the growth in EV sales and suggests that the government is not doing enough to make EVs a viable alternative for the average South African.
