Unlike buying a conventional vehicle where you only get the car and a warranty, buying an electric vehicle (EV) is usually accompanied by a comprehensive welcome package to make the transition from fossil fuels to battery power easier.
This can be anything from an extended warranty on the battery for added peace of mind, or the free usage of a petrol car should your electric vehicle be out of action for a period of time for whatever reason.
Depending on the manufacturer, here is what you can expect to get in addition to the vehicle itself when buying a new electric vehicle in South Africa.
Audi
In the local market, Audi electric vehicles (EVs) are equipped with a “Compact” home charger, wall clip, and 32A industrial socket as standard. However, if customers order the “Connect” smart charger through a dealer, it costs R12,500 for the e-tron/e-tron Sportback, and they can choose a cable at no additional cost when ordered with the vehicle.
Normally, the Compact charger retails for between R25,645 and R26,392, while the Connect system is much more expensive at R40,779.
In addition to the charger, each purchase of an Audi e-tron includes a 5-year/100,000km Freeway Plan and an 8-year/160,000km battery warranty. As of March 2023, the starting prices of Audi electric vehicles range from R1,745,000 to R3,359,400.
BMW
BMW and its subsidiary Mini offer a range of electric vehicles (EVs), each with its own set of complimentary benefits.
The BMW i4, i7, and iX come with the BMW Charging Card, a Flexible Fast Charger capable of charging at up to 11kW, and a mode-3 charging cable. However, the iX3 does not include the Flexible charger but does come with the other two accessories.
The manufacturer is currently offering a “Launch Offer” for all its i-badged EVs, which includes one year of comprehensive insurance. For the iX specifically, a free wallbox charger is also included.
As for the Mini SE, currently the most affordable electric vehicle in the country, the battery-powered hatch comes with two free charging cables: one for public fast-charging and one for a standard three-prong wall outlet.
All BMW and Mini electric vehicle benefit from a 5-year/100,000km maintenance plan and an 8-year/100,000km battery warranty.
As of March 2023, the starting prices for BMW electric vehicles range from R742,102 to R2,825,000.
Jaguar-Land Rover
All vehicles sold by Jaguar-Land Rover (JLR) in South Africa come with a comprehensive training session at the company’s Experience Centre in Sandton, which includes specific information for EVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) on how to maximize the benefits of ownership and best charging practices.
JLR also hosts regular driving sessions catered to specific models, including one for the battery-electric I-Pace. Customers attending these events receive one-on-one sessions with experts, including specialists in EV ownership.
The selling prices of Jaguar-Land Rover’s electric vehicle and PHEVs include a 5-year/100,000km “care plan,” as well as an additional 8-year/160,000km battery warranty for the I-Pace.
As of March 2023, the starting price for the Jaguar I-Pace is R2,249,000.
Mercedes-Benz
When purchasing an EQ electric vehicle from Mercedes-Benz in South Africa, customers receive a free wall box charger and installation at their home or workplace before taking delivery of the vehicle to ease the transition to electric motoring.
The EQA, EQB, and EQC electric SUVs come with a 5-year/100,000km warranty and an 8-year battery warranty, while the pricier EQE and EQS models have a 10-year battery warranty.
As of March 2023, the starting prices for Mercedes-Benz EVs range from R1,174,000 to R2,620,500.
Volvo
Volvo’s all-electric XC40 P6 and P8 Recharge, as well as the upcoming C40 Recharge, come with a free “Care Package” included in the window sticker. The Care Package includes a 5-year warranty and maintenance plan, three years of insurance, the use of a petrol car for two weeks per year for three years, and a home charger worth R25,000.
0 Comments