Volvo Car South Africa leads electric revolution with record sales in 2023
In 2023, Volvo Car South Africa achieved remarkable sales growth in the new-energy vehicle market, maintaining its leadership in the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sector and boasting the nation's most popular fully electric vehicle (EV).
The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid retained its title as South Africa's favourite PHEV, closely followed by the XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid, mirroring its success from the previous year. The XC60's sales saw a 37.5% increase from the prior year, representing nearly a quarter of all PHEV registrations in South Africa for 2023. The XC90 experienced an even more significant growth, with sales increasing by 87.1% yearly.
The XC40 Recharge led the EV category in 2023, rising from third place the year before. Following its recognition as the best New Energy Vehicle at the 2023 Old Mutual Insure South African Car of the Year competition, the fully electric XC40's sales more than tripled, capturing a 16.6% EV market share.
Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa, noted the continuing expansion of the country's new-energy vehicle market, with Volvo's electric and plug-in hybrid models spearheading this growth. Despite new competitors entering the market, Volvo's dominance in these segments is a positive sign, with high hopes set for the launch of the EX30 in 2024.
The XC60 and XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrids, offered in four well-equipped variants, feature a combination of a turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor powered by an 18.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, delivering a total output of 340 kW and 709 Nm. The XC60 Recharge offers an 81 km electric range, while the XC90 Recharge provides up to 77 km of zero-emission driving, according to WLTP standards.
The XC40 Recharge is available in Single Motor Plus or Twin Motor Ultimate configurations, with 175 kW/330 Nm power outputs for the rear-wheel drive model and 300 kW/660 Nm for the all-wheel drive version.
Volvo Car SA's range includes a variety of electrified options, from mild hybrids to PHEVs and EVs, aligning with Volvo's global objective for half of its sales to be fully electric cars by 2025 and aiming for a fully electric line-up by 2030, underscoring its commitment to a future without emissions.
Also worth a look: the 315kW of Swedish Grit: The Volvo EX30 Cross Country Revealed and the Volvo EX90: The Future of Safety Lands in SA in 2025.
FAQ
Q: What does the Volvo XC40 Recharge cost in South Africa?
The Volvo XC40 Recharge Single Motor Plus starts at R899,900, while the Twin Motor Ultimate will set you back R1,049,900, making it one of the more premium electric SUV options in the local market.
Q: How far can the Volvo XC60 Recharge drive on electric power alone?
The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid delivers an impressive 81 km of pure electric driving range according to WLTP standards, which should cover most daily commutes around South African cities without burning a drop of petrol.
Q: Is the Volvo XC90 Recharge worth buying in South Africa?
With 340 kW of combined power, 77 km electric range, and a 87.1% sales increase in 2023, the XC90 Recharge at R1,399,900 offers excellent luxury hybrid performance, though you'll pay premium prices for the Volvo badge and Swedish engineering.
Q: Which Volvo electric vehicle is the most popular in South Africa?
The XC40 Recharge claimed the top spot as South Africa's best-selling fully electric vehicle in 2023, capturing 16.6% of the EV market share after tripling its sales from the previous year.
Q: What charging options do Volvo Recharge models support in South Africa?
Volvo Recharge models support AC charging up to 11 kW and DC fast charging up to 150 kW, though charging infrastructure remains limited outside major South African metros, so plan your road trips carefully.
Should You Buy It?
The best premium electric SUV under R1,000,000 in South Africa is the Volvo XC40 Recharge Single Motor Plus at R899,900. With 175 kW, excellent build quality, and proven local sales success, it's a solid choice if you can handle the premium pricing and limited charging network. The XC60 Recharge at R1,199,900 offers the perfect hybrid compromise with 81 km electric range and petrol backup, making it ideal for South African driving conditions. Skip the XC90 Recharge unless you absolutely need seven seats and have R1,399,900 burning a hole in your pocket, because that's serious money for a vehicle in a country where charging infrastructure is still catching up. Overall verdict: buy the XC40 Recharge if you're committed to going electric and have deep pockets, or grab the XC60 Recharge for the best of both worlds.
