Electric, Plug-in Hybrid Cars to hit the roads of SA in 2014

Jul 28, 2013 83 view(s)

In spite of receiving comparatively cooler response from the consumers, BMW and Nissan are moving ahead with their aim of producing battery powered models. Nissan Leaf and BMW variants i3 and i8 would be the zero emission vehicles in South Africa in the near future. This move will give rise to a zero-emission motoring environment, that is still like a dream.

The sales status of the most publicised Nissan miniature “Leaf” is much lower than expected targets in the overseas market. It is going to be the first “Electric Car” to be available for sale on South African land and its price is yet awaited. This will be followed by the BMW i3 sedan class priced between R440,000 to R470,000 and also hybrid-powered sports car i8 blends a sporting ability with the speed of 100km/h in just 4.6 seconds, each in limited availability.

Nissan Leaf and the BMW i3 are collateral and are capable of covering 160 km after being fully charged which is enough to cover the normal routine requirements of maximum number of populations. The BMW variants will be nature friendly as one fourth of the thermoplastic components will be replaced by the recycle and renewable products.

It will take around eight hours for an i3 to be charged from a domestic 220V electrical socket. As per the Government’s announcement for the Green Cars initiative, there will be 50 up charging points set up all around South Africa by September 2013 for the conveniency of the consumer.