Chinese Brands Near 20% of South Africa Auto Market as Battery EVs Stall

Chinese automotive brands are approaching a 20 percent share of South Africa's new car market, while full battery electric vehicles continue to struggle with adoption due to infrastructure and cost barriers. The EV shift in South Africa is bypassing pure battery models in favour of hybrids, with Chinese brands tightening their grip across both segments. The trend signals a structural EV adoption challenge with implications for electric-mobility investors and charging-network operators.