South Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) market has become more accessible with the launch of the City Blitz, the country’s most affordable EV.

Overview of the City Blitz

The City Blitz, offered by the newly-formed EV.Africa in partnership with Combined Motor Holdings (CMH), aims to make green transportation a reality for the budget-conscious. Originating from China, the City Blitz is available in four body styles designed exclusively for urban or intercity use. Launched last week, it has already garnered attention as South Africa’s most affordable EV and will be distributed through eleven dealerships nationwide.

Pricing and Warranty

The base model of the City Blitz retails for just R199,900, while the four-seater variant comes with a price tag of R239,900. The bakkie version, featuring a flat load bay, shares the same R239,900 asking price, and the panel van is available for R249,900. Given its competitive pricing and a 4-year/60,000 km warranty, the City Blitz stands out as an affordable green transportation option.

Performance and Features

Powered by a single 10 kWh battery, the City Blitz’s electric motor generates 7.5 kW of power, reaching a top speed of 80 km/h. Although unsuitable for highway travel, the vehicle boasts a 160 km range on a single charge. Sporting a lightweight frame, the unladen City Blitz weighs in at just 640 kg and features 12-inch wheels. The panel van and bakkie variants can carry a payload of up to 300 kg.

Charging the City Blitz is straightforward, as it is only rechargeable through a traditional home socket. However, each charge takes approximately six hours, so planning around the local electricity provider’s load-shedding schedule may prove tricky.

Despite its modest price point, the City Blitz comes with several noteworthy features. These include electric windows, air conditioning, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and LED daytime running lights. However, it lacks airbags, inertia-reel seatbelts, and an ABS braking system.

Safety and Regulations

As an intercity quadricycle based on China’s Jiayuan City Spirit, the City Blitz is not required to conform to specific safety legislation. Consequently, it needs to come equipped with certain costly safety technologies.

Reception and Future of the EV Market

The launch of South Africa’s most affordable EV has piqued the interest of many, sparking discussions on social media. While some are excited about going green without breaking the bank, others may still need to be more confident about the vehicle’s modest performance and safety features. Ultimately, the City Blitz serves as a stepping stone toward making electric cars more accessible in South Africa. As the market grows and evolves, more options will likely become available, catering to various preferences and budgets. But, for now, the City Blitz offers an intriguing and affordable entry point into the world of environmentally-friendly transportation.

The City Blitz is an affordable and accessible option for those embracing green transportation in South Africa. With its competitive pricing and decent range, it offers a practical solution for urban and intercity travel. While it may not have all the safety features of more expensive EVs, it is a step in the right direction toward making EVs more accessible to a broader audience.