The most affordable EV to hit the streets of South Africa is the recently launched Eleksa CityBug.
Affordability is no longer an excuse when it comes to the adoption of electric vehicles because the new Eleksa is being sold at a retail price of R230 000. The CityBug is still proving its roadworthiness in the country but is already available in international markets such as Germany, Spain, Uruguay and United Kingdom.
Here’s what you need to know about the Eleksa CityBug
- The Eleksa CityBug is a small car with two doors and seating for up to four people. It measures 2,960mm long, 1,480mm wide and 1,520mm tall – and weighs in at 450kg.
- Inside, the CityBug’s compact cabin offers a range of comforts that are generally seen in higher-end vehicles.
- Standard equipment comprises an air conditioning system, electric windows, a digital instrument cluster and an Android infotainment system that provides USB ports and integrated navigation.
- Eleksa describes the CityBug as an ideal urban runabout, with charging costs claimed to be 15 cents per kilometer.
- It is powered by a 9kWh battery and a 4kW electric motor.
- The CityBug has a load-carrying capacity of roughly 300kg.
And guess what? It only costs R15 to fully charge. Not bad considering what it takes to fill up an average vehicle running on fuel. But just how far will the fully charged R15 take you? The vehicle’s maximum car range is 100km – which is upgradeable to 200km. It is worth noting that the vehicle’s range abilities are dependent on the cargo it is carrying and a full load can diminish driving ranges.
It doesn’t have the whopping speed of a powertrain but it’s getting there – 60km/h – not bad for an ideal city or town runabout. It would experience good interest as a short-range delivery vehicle as the running costs are low. The company promises to add more variety to the mix as it plans to bring a small bakkie, delivery van, and a small family SUV.
The first four Eleksa CityBugs in South Africa are available for viewing at the company’s showroom in Pretoria.
Source: ESI Africa