South Africans’ uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) is still very slow. Despite automotive manufacturers globally hyping the benefits of this new-age mobility, our people have made it clear that they are not too keen to jump on the bandwagon just yet.
But despite the slow sales (even if they are incrementally increasing year-on-year), some – if not most – manufacturers have committed themselves to an all-electric portfolio for the South African market. Volvo is one of these who outright said that the future is electric and that its next-generation of vehicles will be battery driven.
Related: Driving Impression – Volvo C40 Recharge Twin Motor
One of Volvo’s electric offerings is the XC40 Recharge Single Motor Plus, or P6 as it’s also known. Introduced locally in August 2023, this SUV is powered by a 69 kWh battery driving the rear wheels. Offering 175 kW and 330 N.m, it can launch from 0 – 100 km/h 7.3 seconds and run a top speed of 160 km/h. Volvo claims a driving range in the region of 400 km.
The XC40 Recharge Single Motor Plus is based on the XC40 range that was first introduced in 2018, with only minor cosmetic changes – both inside and out – brought about to distinguish it from the petrol-powered models. Still, despite this, the XC40 Recharge range is one of Volvo’s original innovations in the EV space and is part of the Swedish automaker’s contribution to a more sustainable and cleaner environment.
There is a more powerful, and much faster, XC40 Recharge Twin Motor Ultimate (R1 298 000), but it demands a R190 000 premium over the Single Motor Plus.
Kyle Kock, Road Test editor at sister publication CAR Magazine, said:
“On the road, the XC40 P6 rides every bit as enjoyably as its blisteringly quick sibling, and while not as quick in a straight line, it’s definitely nothing to scoff at. Because there’s not as much power as the more brute sibling, I was less inclined to nail the throttle randomly, which definitely helps with the consumption and offers slightly more range. A slightly lower overall mass also inspires a little more confidence in the corners.”
Fast Facts:
- Model: Volvo XC40 Recharge Single Motor Plus
- Price: R1 108 000
- Battery: 69 kWh
- Transmission: Electric
- Drive: Rear
- Power: 175 kW
- Torque: 330 N.m
- 0 – 100 km/h: 7.3 sec
- Top speed: 160 km/h
- Range: 400 km
- Maintenance plan: Five-years/100 000 km
- Warranty years: Five vehicle / Eight battery
- Warranty distance: 100 000 km vehicle / 160 000 km battery
However, the XC40 Recharge Single Motor Plus is not the only electric SUV playing at this price point. Here are some of its direct rivals.
BMW iX1 xDrive30 xLine
The iX1 is the most affordable EV in BMW’s line-up, and this xDrive30 xLine derivative is the German automaker’s entry point to green(er) mobility. Introduced locally in March 2023, the range compliments the ICE (internal combustion engine) X1. Only two models make up the iX1 line-up, with the xDrive30 M Sport commanding a R40 000 premium for the cosmetic enhancements.
The iX1’s battery has a total capacity of 66.5 kWh but only 64.7 kWh is usable, with BMW able to extract 230 kW and 494 N.m from it. Performance is brisk too, as the 0 – 100 km/h time is almost two seconds quicker than the Volvo and the top speed better by 20 km/h.
The i3 used to be BMW’s entry point to e-mobility. However, production of this EV ceased in 2022, with the bigger, more spacious, iX1 effectively resuming the role vacated by the defunct i3.
Fast Facts:
- Model: BMW iX1 xDrive30 xLine
- Price: R1 205 000
- Battery: 66.5 kWh
- Transmission: Electric
- Drive: All
- Power: 230 kW
- Torque: 494 N.m
- 0 – 100 km/h: 5.6 sec
- Top speed: 180 km/h
- Range: 440 km (claimed)
- Maintenance plan: Five-years / 100 000 km
- Warranty years: Two vehicle / Eight battery
- Warranty distance: Unlimited km vehicle / 100 000 km battery
Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 Progressive
Like the iX1, the EQA family is Mercedes-Benz’s entry point to e-mobility in South Africa, with the EQA 250 Progressive taking up the mantle as the first introduction point. This same model is also available in the cosmetically enhanced AMG Line package, but asks for a R53 000 premium.
The EQA was first introduced in July 2022 and has remained a constant in Merc’s local line-up since. It is the electric equivalent of the GLA and is seen as the vehicle to spearhead the German automotive giant’s plans for an all-electric future.
The EQA 250 range is powered by a 66.5 kWh battery, with the power outputs the lowest of the three vehicles in question. Despite it, the all-electric SUV can, theoretically, drive for more than 400 km on a single charge, putting it on par with both the XC40 Recharge and BMW iX1.
Fast Facts:
- Model: Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 Progressive
- Price: R1 179 400
- Battery: 66.5 kWh
- Transmission: Electric
- Drive: Front
- Power: 140 kW
- Torque: 385 N.m
- 0 – 100 km/h: 8.6 sec
- Top speed: 160 km/h
- Range: 402 – 429 km (claimed)
- Maintenance plan: Five-years / 100 000 km
- Warranty years: Two vehicle / Eight battery
- Warranty distance: Unlimited km vehicle / 160 000 km battery
