Top Rival of Tesla Set to Intensify Competition in South Africa
BYD's Dolphin Hatchback Set to Enter South African Market
BYD, the world's largest new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer, has announced its intention to expand into the South African market. The company unveiled plans for the Dolphin hatchback at a local test-drive event for the Atto 3 SUV, which it debuted in July 2023.
The Dolphin hatchback, one of BYD's most affordable and popular models, boasts a battery capacity of 44.9 kW/h and an in-city range of 255 km. It can charge from 10% to 80% in just 40 minutes with a maximum fast-charge power of 60 kW DC. The lithium iron phosphate battery (LFP) in the Dolphin hatchback comes with an eight-year warranty.
Elon Musk, Tesla CEO, has been vocal about the high import duties in South Africa, which could be a potential reason for Tesla's absence in the market. Musk's comments imply that Tesla may plan to build a Gigafactory in South Africa to reduce these costs, but as of August 2025, no such plans have been publicly announced or confirmed by reliable sources.
Tesla's current factory and production updates focus on vehicle production increases, new affordable models launching in 2025, developing the Semi and Cybercab with volume production in 2026, Gigafactory Berlin reaching milestones and deliveries planned to Saudi Arabia, an announced but delayed Gigafactory in Mexico, and expansion in energy storage manufacturing within the US and China.
BYD's entry into the South African market could potentially increase global competition against Tesla. The Dolphin hatchback, being a five-seater vehicle, makes it an ideal option for families and various consumers.
Before entering the passenger market, BYD has partnered with Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) in 2021 to deliver electric buses in South Africa. This partnership could pave the way for BYD's successful entry into the South African market with the Dolphin hatchback.
[1] Tesla Q2 2025 Earnings Report: No Mention of Gigafactory in South Africa [2] Tesla Q1 2025 Press Release: No Mention of Gigafactory in South Africa [3] Image Courtesy of BYD [4] Tesla Q4 2024 Earnings Report: No Mention of Gigafactory in South Africa [5] Tesla Q3 2024 Press Release: No Mention of Gigafactory in South Africa
- The entry of BYD, a leader in the automotive and electric-vehicle industry, with its affordable and popular Dolphin hatchback, is poised to introduce increased competition in the South African market, traditionally dominated by finance and business heavyweights.
- As Tesla, a significant player in the technology sector, continues to grapple with high import duties in South Africa, the potential arrival of BYD's electric vehicles could disrupt the existing landscape in the transportation industry.
- BYD has already demonstrated its commitment to the South African market by partnering with Golden Arrow Bus Services, signaling a strong intent to spearhead changes in the lifestyle sector, particularly in transportation and urban mobility solutions.
- The introduction of the Dolphin hatchback, an energy-efficient, five-seater vehicle, positions BYD to cater to various consumer segments in the South African market, potentially outpacing rivals, including Tesla, in the automotive business.
