South Africa's affordable EV race heats up as BYD Dolphin Surf proves it can go the distance

South Africa’s EV market is getting more affordable, with lower-cost models pushing prices toward mainstream use. The Daily Dispatch reports the Geely E2 Aspire has overtaken the BYD Dolphin Surf as the least-expensive electric car, starting at $20,980—about $100 cheaper than the Dolphin Surf Comfort. Both trims use a 55kW front-wheel-drive motor, but battery size drives the difference: the Comfort uses a 30kWh pack for an estimated 144 miles, while the Dynamic uses a 38.8kWh battery for about 183 miles and DC charging from 30% to 80% in roughly 30 minutes. Testing matched BYD’s range estimates.