Swedish carmaker Volvo is bringing two new electric models to South Africa in 2026, the ES90 and the EX60.
Volvo, which is owned by the Chinese carmaker Geely, will be bringing the new ES90 to the market in the mid-to-late Q1 2026.
The ES90 is a sedan that is designed to offer a balance of life, with good safety, technology and versatility.
It is the first Volvo car to feature 800-volt technology, enabling a longer range and faster charging than any previous electric Volvo.
The car is also designed to evolve over time via continuous software updates.
The vehicle was unveiled in March and aims to offer the refined elegance of a sedan with the adaptability of a fastback, as well as the spacious interior and ground clearance of an SUV.
The EX60 will follow the ES90 in the mid-to-late third quarter, with the South African market one of the few outside of the EU to receive the model.
The new SUV will be revealed in January 2026 and will mark Volvo’s move to make electric luxury more accessible to South Africans.
Positioned between XC40 Recharge and the flagship EX90, the EX60 aims to strengthen Volvo’s growing electric SUV portfolio.
The new car also promises a far larger range than any previous electric Volvo and an improved user experience.
“The upcoming EX60 signals the next chapter in Volvo’s journey toward becoming a fully electric brand,” commented Grant Locke, Managing Director at Volvo Cars South Africa.
“As South Africa’s EV landscape continues to expand—with more charging points, growing awareness, and an appetite for premium electrification—the EX60 will arrive at the perfect time.”
“It’s designed to bring our latest technology to a broader audience while delivering the range, confidence and everyday practicality that local drivers expect.”
While not being new cars, two Volvo cars will have their names changed. The C40 has already been renamed the EC40, and the XC40 Recharge will soon become the EX40.
South Africa’s electric vehicle numbers rise
While still behind most of the developed world, South Africa is starting to see increased electric vehicle numbers.
The Volvo EX30 has been the best-selling electric vehicle in the nation thus far, with Volvo focusing exclusively on new-energy vehicles.
Several other major manufacturers are also offering electric vehicles, including BMW and Mercedes, while new Chinese entrants are also making a splash.
GWM recently launched the new electric ORA, while BYD, the largest new-energy vehicle producer, is also expanding its network.
BYD has recently launched its BYD Dolphin Surf, which retails for less than R400,000, and aims to bring electric mobility to the mass market.
BYD already offers the popular Dolphin hatchback, the Seal sedan, the Sealion SUV and the Shark bakkie.
BYD is also investing heavily in infrastructure in South Africa, and is set to bring 300 charging stations to the country, including a new 1MW charging station.
The new stations will initially be opened at the carmaker’s dealerships, then expand to the nation’s highways, and finally, to congested urban areas.
BYD is also looking to expand its solar coverage across South Africa to ensure greater connectivity, even if this is far smaller than before.
