South African electric cars need help from government - A prohibitive tax is protecting local ICE manufacturing

Car manufacturers in South Africa have said that electric vehicles are unlikely to become common in the country until the government plays its part. This primarily involves financial actions that are required to drive initial demand – including a reduction in import duties and providing incentives for the purchase of electric cars.

“To succeed, EVs have the same requirements in South Africa as other markets, namely an initial period of government incentives, expanding charging infrastructure and public education and familiarisation programme,” said Nissan.

“Once the government has decided to reduce the 23% import tariff on electric vehicles, South Africa will experience a boost in the domestic sales of EVs,” said Nissan.

As South Africa has long been manufacturing and assembling vehicles for the international market, it is going to have to adapt these industries as the local market alone cannot sustain that manufacturing volume. The industry will have to transform, hopefully before it loses out to other countries. The signs are clear and the world is already changing to EV.

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Car manufacturers in South Africa have said that electric vehicles are unlikely to become common in the country until the government plays its part.

source https://gadgeteer.co.za/south-african-electric-cars-need-help-government-prohibitive-tax-protecting-local-ice-manufacturing