First electric Toyota set to launch in South Africa next year

Toyota’s first electric vehicle (EV) for the South African market, the BZ4X, is set to debut in the country in January next year, according to an announcement made at the State of the Motoring Industry 2024 (SOMI 2024) event in Johannesburg on the 25th of January 2024. 

The BZ4X marks Toyota’s entry into the fully electric vehicle segment in South Africa, as the automaker has previously focused on hybrid models, such as the popular Corolla Cross. The company also unveiled plans for the first battery electric vehicle from Lexus, the Lexus RZ, scheduled to arrive in 2025. Additionally, a hybrid version of the Hino 300 light-duty truck was introduced. 

Toyota, after a slow start in the electric vehicle market, is now committing to a significant push into electrification. CEO Koji Sato has outlined the company’s goal to release ten new electric vehicle models by 2026. This shift aligns with Toyota’s commitment to halve emissions by 2035 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. 

The BZ4X is currently the only model confirmed for a South African launch. Toyota anticipates that this electric vehicle initiative will contribute to the sale of 1.5 million battery electric vehicles annually while emphasizing the importance of hybrids and plug-in hybrids. 

While the BZ4X is listed on Toyota’s US website with prices starting at $43,070, South African pricing is yet to be disclosed, and it remains uncertain whether the vehicle will be produced locally. Import taxes, including a 25% EV tax, up to a 30% ad valorem tax, and 15% VAT in South Africa, may significantly impact the final pricing of the imported electric vehicles.