Hey Mabs
I’ve always liked going against the grain in everything I do, including my choice of cars. Recently, I’ve been fascinated by EVs due to their general appeal and the fact that I never have to worry about exorbitant fuel costs. After doing my research, I was a passenger in GWM’s Ora and was completely sold by the design, roominess, and quiet drive. However, I still found the price prohibitive. With the recent launch of the Dayun Yuehu S5 as the most affordable EV on our roads, I see a trend emerging and hope that even cheaper EVs will become the norm. But what are the real costs of owning an EV? Please give me a breakdown so I can make an informed decision. Also, do we have adequate infrastructure to charge electric vehicles?
Mabs answers:
It’s exciting to see more manufacturers bringing electric vehicles (EVs) to our country, particularly in the lower end of the market. This makes it possible for motorists on tighter budgets to access these vehicles and contribute to the environment through reduced emissions.
In the next two years, I believe there will be more EVs to choose from, and they will be competitively priced, though still at a premium due to the innovation and technology they contain. However, purchasing an EV is not the only cost; ownership also involves additional expenses. Charging is one of these costs.
While public charging stations are becoming available across urban areas, they are not free and need to be considered before making a purchase. Charging time is another factor; unlike filling a tank in under five minutes, it takes between one and four hours to charge for a 300km range. Careful planning is essential for owning an EV.Installing a home charging station can cost from R8,000 upwards, excluding the cost of electricity. Insurance is another factor to consider, as premiums for EVs are higher due to the high cost of repairs. I recommend doing thorough research and test-driving some EVs before making a decision.
