Chinese automaker BYD is fast-tracking its expansion in South Africa’s growing electric vehicle (EV) market, aiming to establish 35 dealerships by the first quarter of 2026.
Chinese automaker BYD is fast-tracking its expansion in South Africa’s growing electric vehicle (EV) market, aiming to establish 35 dealerships by the first quarter of 2026.
The global automaker is also planning to grow its network to 60–70 dealerships by the end of next year as consumer demand for EVs rises, according to Reuters.
The South African market for electric and hybrid vehicles is gaining momentum, driven by the launch of more affordable EV models and the expansion of charging infrastructure.
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BYD is competing with global brands such as Volvo, Chery, and Great Wall Motors to capture early adopters in the country.
BYD dealership network and EV sales
Steve Chang, Managing Director of BYD Auto South Africa, said strong demand has allowed the company to accelerate its dealership rollout, reaching its 35-store target sooner than initially planned in June.
Looking ahead, Chang expects BYD to establish 60 to 70 dealerships across South Africa by the end of 2026, strengthening its footprint in the EV and hybrid vehicle market.
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To support its expansion, BYD announced plans in October to build up to 300 fast-charging stations nationwide by the end of 2026, ensuring convenient access for customers and encouraging adoption of electric vehicles.
With government signals of potential EV incentives, analysts predict that BYD, along with other Chinese brands, will leverage competitive pricing, expanding charging infrastructure, and growing consumer interest to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in South Africa.
