Battery-electric vehicles outshine hybrids in South Africa's electric vehicle market
Across the variations of New Energy Vehicles, Battery-electric vehicles provide the greatest benefit to consumers, and in turn the environment
Image: Freepik
As South Africa forges ahead in the automotive landscape, a notable divide has emerged in the growing realm of electric vehicles. With a surge in interest towards plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), experts warn that this trend may be more of a hindrance than a help, particularly when contrasted with the benefits provided by battery-electric vehicles (BEVs).
Recent analyses by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) underscore the compelling advantages of BEVs, raising questions about the long-term viability of hybrid technology.
“In recent months, South Africa’s market has been seeing an increased uptake of plug-in hybrid vehicles, yet these vehicles combine the worst of both worlds,” said Hiten Parmar, Executive Director of The Electric Mission.
“While these might address perceived range anxiety concerns, they are counter to the claimed benefits as marketed by vehicle manufacturers.”
Across the variations of New Energy Vehicles, Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) provide the greatest benefit to consumers, and in turn the environment, and the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) have a recent analysis that proves this.
Image: International Council on Clean Transportation
The dichotomy becomes clear when delving into real-world data. Evidence reveals that when PHEVs are operated in their electric mode, their energy consumption exceeds that of modern battery-electric vehicles. Conversely, when they shift into combustion mode, PHEVs exhibit not only higher fuel consumption but also significantly elevated CO2 emissions—sometimes up to five times higher than what manufacturers advertise. Such discrepancies highlight a troubling trend in automotive marketing and consumer understanding.
Parmar elaborates on the inefficiencies associated with hybrid technology.
“The hybrid design comes at a significant cost,” he explains. “The additional weight drives inefficiency, and the costs to run the vehicle are much higher than a battery-electric model, as it must adhere to standard internal combustion maintenance cycles and carry both a battery and a fuel tank.”
While PHEVs were initially touted as a bridge towards sustainable transport, their ability to reduce local air pollution—especially in dense urban environments—is markedly inferior to that of all-electric or fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). The overarching objective of zero-emission transport is to foster cleaner air in cities, a goal increasingly compromised by the adoption of hybrids.
However, the silver lining remains in the shape of battery-electric vehicles. Currently, even the most basic BEV available in South Africa is entirely capable of covering the average distances required for daily commutes.
With the added convenience and cost-effectiveness of home-based charging, consumers are encouraged to reconsider their choices in the burgeoning electric vehicle market.
Experts advocate for a shift towards BEVs, aligning with broader environmental goals and addressing consumers' concerns about emissions and efficiency head-on.
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