Chinese car manufacturer Dongfeng has officially launched in South Africa.
The carmaker is debuting with a new compact electric hatchback aimed squarely at budget-conscious EV buyers.
The company’s first local model, the Dongfeng Box, arrives in four variants and positions itself as one of the most accessible electric cars in the country.
Budget-friendly electric car in SA?
According to BusinessTech and vehicle data platform duoporta.com, the entry-level E1 330 is priced at R459 000, making it South Africa’s second most affordable EV, specifically among those capable of maintaining the national highway limit of 120km/h.
The range includes:
- E1 330 – R459 000
- E2 330 – R469 000
- E2 430 – R499 000
- E3 430 (top-spec) – R519 000
A growing line-up for South Africa
And the Dongfeng Box is reportedly just the starting point. The company has already listed two additional models for future release on its South African website: The Dongfeng 06 SUV and the Dongfeng 007 luxury sedan.
These upcoming models suggest a broader strategy to compete across more segments of the local market.
Dongfeng’s arrival adds meaningful pressure in South Africa’s small but growing electric vehicle market. The Box’s value-focused approach is well timed, especially as South African buyers continue searching for more affordable ways to transition into EV ownership.
