The EV Revolution: The Road Ahead is Electric & It’s Rolling on Michelin Primacy 5s
South Africans are beginning to feel the throb of the electric vehicle (EV) revolution and although our local economy’s not quite in top gear, one thing is certain: the wheels are turning.
The appeal is undeniable. EVs are quieter, cleaner and cheaper to drive than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. And, as international automakers start to retire petrol and diesel vehicles, South Africa is set for a shake-up in how we get around. However, rallying around EVs on home turf still has its own challenging potholes. High upfront vehicle costs, patchy charging infrastructure, poor power supply and range anxiety are speed breakers on the road to putting more electric vehicles on the floor. But the path is also paved with innovation and excitement.
From family hybrids to delivery vans, the EV boom is growing. Whatever your power – petrol, plug-in or full electric – one thing is unchanged: premium tyres for safety, silence and distance. That brings us to the new Michelin Primacy 5 – a second-generation tyre that’s been developed to reflect today’s changing needs and environmentally conscious drivers, but also to suit the electric age.
Michelin Primacy 5: The Tyre for Every Ride
Whether around town in a compact EV, on a journey with a cross-country hybrid, or hauling goods in a commercial e-van, the Michelin Primacy 5 is designed to elevate the ride – and the range.
Michelin’s latest and greatest provides 18% more mileage than the previous generation. Furthermore, it raises wet braking with 4% thanks to a patented tread pattern and deeper grooves to evacuate water quicker. This is increased safety even on a wet Highveld afternoon.
For EV drivers in particular, comfort and quietness are key and the Primacy 5 delivers. The Silent Rib Gen-3 technology minimises in-cabin noise and MaxTouch Technology allows for optimal contact with the road across pressure and heat. This distributes the force exerted by acceleration and braking evenly – a key feature for the heavy EVs with instant torque.
Whether for sedans or hatchbacks, crossovers or SUVs, Primacy 5 will fit them all – ICE, hybrid and electric. With more than 40 sizes available in 2025 and a considerable expansion in 2026, motorists in South Africa are now able to purchase one of the market’s best EV-ready tyres. Michelin’s new Primacy 5 Tyres start from R2,599 per tyre.
Our Top Four Brands, Leading SA’s EV Horizon
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid - Family Fun, Electrified
If there’s an SUV that’s a better fit for South African family life than the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, we’d like to know. It is big enough to fit the whole family and stylish enough to leave them all suitably impressed. This seven-seat, three-row SUV combines a turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor that instantly responds to deliver 175 kW of total system output and a palatable fuel consumption from 7.5L/100 km.
From the Bushveld to Ballito, the Santa Fe Hybrid delivers the all-terrain confidence of all-wheel drive, regenerative braking, a luxurious faux leather interior and an infotainment system that integrates with your mobile life. Hyundai also offers a 7-year/200,000 km warranty, with a separate 8-year/160,000 km battery guarantee.
It’s more than a car; it’s a mobile sanctuary – and when combined with the Michelins, it makes every family escape even better.
The Hyundai SANTA Fe Hybrid Elite AWD is priced from R1,249,900.
iCAUR - Born to Play
Daring, expressive and full of personality, iCAUR is Chery’s dynamic new energy vehicle brand, preparing to electrify South Africa in 2026. With a lifestyle-first trend, iCAUR claims to deliver emotionally connected vehicles with retro-futuristic styling and user-centric innovations.
Supported by automotive powerhouse, Chery Group, and inspired by South Africa’s rich urban culture, iCAUR is not only making cars. It’s building an entire mobility ecosystem of lifestyle merchandise, content and experiences. It’s all about accessibility and fun and with 15 dealerships penned in for launch, this new kid on the block is poised to bring a whole lot of excitement to Mzansi’s EV market.
DFSK EC35 - The EV Workhorse
8For business customers, this vehicle represents an attractive proposition: a serious payload, very competitive running costs (from 40c/km) and the ability to charge completely in just 60 minutes. Its green efficiency appeals to delivery-centric businesses and logistics start-ups seeking to trim the price, but not the punch.
If you factor in solar charging, Bluetooth, aircon and Apple CarPlay, this is obviously not your average panel van. It’s an EV for entrepreneurs and at a sub-R600k price plus its healthy warranty, it demonstrates going electric can also be good for business and the planet.
The DFSK EC35 is priced from R495,000.
OMODA & JAECOO - Electrifying Luxury for the Long Haul
Chery’s OMODA C9 and JAECOO J7 PHEVs help rewrite the story of gas-free, long-range travel. These luxury SUVs – which use petrol-electric hybrid powertrains – have driven more than 1,100 km from the Mother City to Gqeberha without having to stop to refuel or recharge.
The J7 offers up 255 kW and 90 km of all-electric efficiency, while the flagship C9 brags with an enormous 440 KW and 915 Nm of torque. Equipped with DC fast charging and an impressive range, these PHEVs are simply perfect for South Africans who want a taste of electric driving without the restraints of limited range and poor performance.
Even with these bold moves, South Africa’s desire for electric vehicles is still in its infancy. High import duties, scarce public charging infrastructure and persistent load-shedding are formidable barriers that need to be crossed for EVs to become the norm.Ultimately, public education and infrastructure development are crucial. Additional charge points (especially those of high speed), less range anxiety and incentives to manufacture close by could be game changers. In the meantime, hybrid vehicles like the Santa Fe or long-range PHEVs like the OMODA C9 offer a practical stepping stone for most drivers.
EVs like the DFSK EC35 already make financial sense for businesses in the here and now, providing long-term savings and greener operations. And, for style-focused and youthful drivers, brands such as iCAUR signal the next level of driving: fun, connected and refreshingly distinct.
Whether your next trip is along the Garden Route, through Sandton or across the Karoo, with the sound of an electric motor, make sure you’re treading on tread designed for the journey. While the road to South Africa’s electric future may have some potholes, it’s a road worth taking.
