Toyota to Launch 3 EVs in South Africa by 2026

As of August 2025, Toyota is gearing up to introduce three fully-electric models in the South African market by 2026. This marks the automaker's foray into the country's nascent electric vehicle (EV) segment, which has so far been dominated by Chinese and European carmakers.

Currently, Volvo leads EV sales in South Africa, followed by BMW and Mercedes-Benz. However, Chinese EV manufacturers like BYD are also starting to flood the market as they seek new opportunities amid restrictions on exports to the United States and Europe.

Toyota, which currently only sells hybrid electric vehicles in South Africa, is aiming to capture a share of the growing EV market. The company's South Africa CEO, Andrew Kirby, stated that the company does not believe a single powertrain will dominate the future, and it plans to offer a range of options, including internal combustion engines, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric vehicles, and fuel cell electric vehicles.

The South African automotive sector is facing a critical juncture, with fairly flat production volumes, a drop in local content, and a surge in imported vehicle sales. This has prompted the country's seven major car manufacturers, including Toyota, BMW, Isuzu, and Volkswagen, to collaborate on policy recommendations to support and protect the local industry.

The recommendations include addressing counterproductive taxation structures and restructuring the rebate system. Kirby expressed hope that some short-term interventions will be announced in the next six months to address these challenges.