Global sales and forecast of fully electric vehicles between 2016 and 2027
Global sales of electric vehicles are projected to hit 13.33 million by 2027, up from 4.6 million in 2021, indicating a significant increase in the shift from petroleum product-powered vehicles to electronic ones.
South Africa has doubled from 317,000 units in 1999 to approximately 600,000 units in 2024.
Major peaks were recorded in 2006 (588K), 2016 (616K), and 2018 (632K), while noticeable declines occurred in 2009 (374K) and 2020 (447K), reflecting global economic shocks.
South Africa remains one of the leading vehicle producers in Africa, manufacturing a wide mix of passenger cars, light commercial vehicles (LCVs), trucks, and buses/coaches.
The industry plays a critical role in exports, employment, and industrial development, making South Africa an automotive hub on the continent.