Plug-In Hybrids On The Rise: What South African Buyers Should Know
South Africa’s car market is experiencing a shake-up – and for savvy used car buyers, it’s creating a window of opportunity. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), long viewed as a niche or transitional technology, are gaining real momentum thanks to the rise of Chinese automakers introducing practical, tech-rich models at appealing prices.
As legacy brands like Toyota and Volkswagen continue to lead the overall market, a new wave of brands – Chery, OMODA, JAECOO, Haval and BYD – are changing the energy mix.
And while most of their latest models are still rolling into showroom floors, the ripple effect on the used car market over the next 12–36 months could be huge.
We take a look at the impact…
Why Chinese Brands Are Shaping The New Energy Landscape
In June 2025, Chery Auto made its biggest statement yet by launching plug-in hybrid versions of the OMODA C9 and JAECOO J7 SUVs in South Africa, marking the brand’s first new-energy vehicle introductions on the continent.
This launch follows strong momentum for Chery, now South Africa’s fourth-largest brand by sales, and Great Wall Motors (GWM), which sits in seventh place.
These manufacturers aren’t just bringing in hybrids – they’re prioritising plug-in models where many traditional automakers have yet to act.
Three of the top five plug-in hybrid models sold in South Africa in the first half of 2025 (January to June) came from Chinese brands:
- Chery Tiggo Pro 7 PHEV
- JAECOO J7
- OMODA C9 PHEV
Together, Chinese PHEVs accounted for 27% of total PHEV sales in the first half of 2025 – more than double their presence the year before.
What This Means For The Used Car Market
While plug-in hybrids still account for a small slice of the total vehicle market (just 0.14% in 2024), their sharp growth trajectory spells opportunity for future secondhand buyers.
Used car seekers in the next one to three years could soon have access to:
- Well-equipped, fuel-efficient plug-in hybrids
- Longer electric ranges (90–150km real-world)
- Lower running costs, especially when paired with home solar charging
- Strong warranties and modern safety features
As these vehicles hit the roads now, they’ll become affordable, low-mileage used options down the line, and are likely to offer better value than older petrol or diesel alternatives.
For drivers commuting between Pretoria, Midrand, Johannesburg, and Centurion, a used PHEV with high EV-only range could mean fuel savings every week, without needing to rely fully on charging infrastructure that’s still developing.
Should South African Buyers Be Paying Attention Now?
Absolutely. The used market is built on what’s happening in the new space today, and we’re seeing clear signals that plug-in hybrids are becoming more common, especially from non-traditional brands.
While BMW continues to lead the PHEV market (with the X3, X1 and X5 still performing well), the affordability and range of Chinese offerings are setting new standards. With PHEVs now offering:
- Battery sizes over 30–50kWh
- Real EV driving ranges over 100km
- Competitive tech and interiors
And for used buyers, that means access to newer tech and greater efficiency for less, especially compared to petrol or diesel SUVs from legacy brands.
Challenges And Considerations
Of course, plug-in hybrids still face some hurdles. While charging infrastructure is improving, with over 400 public charging stations now available in South Africa, it’s not yet widespread enough to fully support national adoption.
Building brand trust also takes time, but confidence in these vehicles is growing rapidly as more drivers share their experiences and reviews.
Policy uncertainty is another consideration, as future shifts in EV pricing or government incentives could impact affordability.
That said, plug-in hybrids offer a flexible and practical middle ground. Drivers can enjoy electric mode for short, local trips and switch to petrol for longer journeys, eliminating range anxiety. Some models overseas now offer electric-only ranges of up to 200km, and if these become available locally, they could be a game-changer for the South African market.
