My first question: how many kilometres do you actually drive?
Before looking at claimed range or power figures, I want to know your normal daily driving distance, longest regular journey and where your vehicle is parked at night. An EV with modest range can be an excellent commuter if you can replenish the battery every night.
On the other hand, someone towing, travelling between rural towns or relying only on public charging may need a different answer. The right EV is one that handles your less-common journeys, not only the easiest ones.
If your vehicle realistically travels 250 km between charges and you drive 60 km most days, you'd normally return home with range remaining. But a 300 km motorway trip, towing a trailer or driving in difficult weather deserves separate planning.
The seven things I compare before recommending a model
Daily distance, long trips, highway speed and time available for charging.
Independent road results rather than brochure range alone, including reserves.
Home socket, wallbox, solar, workplace charging and suitable public stations.
New versus used options, running costs, instalments and depreciation risk.
Chemistry, degradation, warranty conditions, diagnostic access and cooling.
Rear seats, boot, ride comfort, ground clearance, towing and payload.
Dealer coverage, parts, servicing capacity, software support and insurance.
Three buyers. Three very different answers.
Predictable daily distance
A more affordable EV with reliable home charging may be the best value; extra battery capacity could be unnecessary.
Weekday use and holiday trips
Prioritise real motorway range, passenger and luggage space, fast-charging performance and reliable route coverage.
Bakkie, trailer or demanding routes
Towing energy use, legal tow rating, ground clearance and route charging can matter more than the headline range number.
How my EV Buying Guidance works
You tell me your budget, current vehicle, journeys and practical requirements. I investigate suitable vehicles for the South African market and explain their strengths, compromises and ownership-cost implications.
- A shortlist of up to four suitable EV models
- Range, warranty and charging suitability
- Practical pros and cons based on your driving
- A clear recommendation and alternatives
I don't earn commission from selling you a particular vehicle. If I think keeping your current car is sensible, I'll say so.
Further reading & useful resources
These are independent resources for background and verification. Charging availability, prices and product specifications can change.