Compare Hybrid vs Electric Vehicle Costs
See how much you'll save by going fully electric compared to a hybrid in South Africa, using real fuel prices and electricity tariffs.
Hybrid Vehicle
Monthly Driving
EV Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to compare hybrid vs EV running costs
- Choose your hybrid
Pick the hybrid model you're considering. The calculator loads its fuel consumption in L/100km.
- Choose an EV to compare
Select an electric vehicle to load its electricity consumption in kWh/100km.
- Set monthly distance
Enter how many kilometres you drive per month so we can project monthly and yearly costs.
- Confirm fuel and electricity prices
Defaults use the latest DMRE petrol prices and Eskom electricity tariff. Override if needed.
- Read the comparison
Output shows cost per km, monthly cost and yearly savings for the hybrid vs the EV.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle in South Africa?
Charging costs depend on your electricity tariff and the EV's battery size. Home charging typically costs R2.50–R4.00 per kWh, meaning a full charge for a 60 kWh battery costs around R150–R240. Public DC fast charging is more expensive, usually R5–R8 per kWh.
Is it cheaper to drive an EV or a petrol car in South Africa?
In almost all cases, yes — EVs are significantly cheaper per kilometre. A typical petrol car costs R1.50–R2.00/km in fuel, while an EV costs R0.30–R0.60/km on home electricity. That's a saving of up to 70%.
How long does it take to charge an EV?
Charging time varies by charger type and battery size. A home wall box (7 kW) typically takes 6–10 hours for a full charge — ideal overnight. Public DC fast chargers (50–150 kW) can charge to 80% in 30–60 minutes.
Where can I find EV charging stations in South Africa?
South Africa's charging network is growing rapidly, with stations from GridCars, Audi Charge, BMW ChargeNow, and others across major cities and national routes.
Which electric vehicles are available in South Africa?
Popular EVs in South Africa include the BYD Dolphin, BYD Atto 3, Volvo EX30, BMW iX3, Mercedes-Benz EQA, and Mini Cooper SE, among others. Prices start from under R600,000.
Can I charge an EV with solar panels?
Yes! Many South African EV owners charge their vehicles using rooftop solar, reducing costs to near zero. A typical home solar system (5–10 kW) can comfortably charge an EV during the day.