Guest: Greg Cress - The Electric One SAHost: Jonathan Broekman

In this episode, Jonathan Broekman chats with Greg Cress, owner of the YouTube channel The Electric One SA about the growing relevance of electric vehicles in South Africa. As more electric vehicles arrive on our roads and more consumers start considering alternatives to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles, Greg unpacks what is driving this change, whether electric vehicles are practical for South African conditions and what buyers should understand before making the switch.

Greg shares his experience testing electric vehicles in real-world conditions, explains why range anxiety is becoming less of a concern, explores how charging infrastructure is developing and discusses why electric vehicles are not just about replacing petrol - they represent a much bigger shift in how we think about mobility and energy.

Why electric vehicles Are Becoming Relevant in South Africa

Jonathan:Greg, before we get into the big electric vehicles questions, tell us a little about yourself. What drew you into the electric vehicle space and what made you start the  The Electric One SA channel?

Greg:My background is actually in the automotive industry. I’m an automotive industry leader at Accenture but The Electric One SA started from a personal passion to help dispel misconceptions around EVs and provide the facts.

During the worst periods of load shedding in South Africa, like many people, I started looking at backup power solutions. I installed a small solar system at home and that made me much more aware of my energy consumption and the value of every kilowatt hour.

Once you start understanding energy in your home, it becomes very easy to see how that applies to mobility. Looking at electric vehicles, I realised this was the direction the world was moving in. It’s a major technology shift, similar to the move from fax machines to email or from a Blackberry to a smartphone.

Why Are South Africans Suddenly Looking at  Electric Vehicles?

Jonathan:Electric vehicles have been around for a while but suddenly they seem to be gaining momentum. Why now?

Greg:There are a few factors coming together.

Major economic events often change behaviour. We saw that during COVID when people changed how they worked. We saw it again when fuel prices increased dramatically and people started asking whether there were better alternatives.

At the same time, we’re seeing more affordable electric vehicles models entering the market. People are starting to realise that instead of simply buying another petrol vehicle, they can consider an electric vehicle and potentially reduce their ongoing fuel costs.

That combination of rising fuel costs, more choice and greater awareness is creating a perfect storm for electric vehicle adoption.

Understanding the Different Types of Electric Vehicles

Jonathan:There are so many terms now: EVs, NEVs, hybrid, plug-in hybrid. How should people understand the differences?

Greg:New Energy Vehicles is the broader category. Within that, you have different technologies.
A hybrid, like a Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, still uses petrol but combines it with a small electric motor to improve efficiency.

A plug-in hybrid, like a BYD Sealion 5 or 6, allows you to charge the battery and drive a certain distance purely on electric power.

A battery electric vehicle or BEV, like a Volvo EX30, is what most people think of when they hear electric vehicles. It has no petrol engine and runs completely on battery power.

There are also range extender EVs, such as the Leap Motor C10, where a small petrol engine works as a generator to charge the battery and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, although those remain very niche.

Is Range Anxiety Still a Real Concern?

Jonathan:Range anxiety has always been one of the biggest concerns people have about electric vehicles. How real is it today?

Greg:Range anxiety is more common among people who don’t drive electric vehicles than those who do.

The reality is that modern electric vehicles give you very accurate information about remaining range. Drivers are also learning a new mindset. In a petrol car, people often wait until the fuel light comes on before filling up. With an EV, you plan ahead.

The biggest change is that charging infrastructure is improving. We are seeing more charging stations along key routes like the N3 to Durban, the N1 towards Cape Town and routes into Mpumalanga.

The experience is also changing. Charging doesn’t have to mean standing at a petrol station waiting. The future could be more about stopping at places where people can have a coffee, work, relax or enjoy an experience while their vehicle charges, typically within 20-25 minutes.

Can Electric Vehicles Work with South Africa’s Electricity Challenges?

Jonathan:Many South Africans still ask: how can electric vehicles work when we’ve experienced load shedding?

Greg:It’s a fair question but the reality is that most electric vehicles charging happens at home and can be planned around your lifestyle.

If you have solar, the equation becomes even more attractive because you can effectively produce your own fuel.

It’s also worth remembering that electricity is already part of our daily lives. We charge phones, run appliances and use technology constantly. Electric vehicles are another evolution of how we use energy.

Is an Electric Vehicle a Smart Financial Decision?

Jonathan:With fuel prices and the cost of living under pressure, is an electric vehicle a smart financial move yet?

Greg:It depends on how you use the vehicle and how you charge it.

The biggest advantage is the cost of energy. Charging at home using slower charging rates can be significantly cheaper than petrol. On some vehicles, real-world testing has shown costs as low as around 42 cents per kilometre.

The biggest thing buyers need to understand is their own driving pattern. Is this a primary vehicle? A second vehicle? How far do you travel daily? Where will you charge?

An electric vehicle works best when it fits your lifestyle.

What Should Buyers Think About Before Buying an Electric Vehicle?

Jonathan:What should someone consider before making the move?

Greg:Preparation is important. It’s almost like bringing a baby home - you don’t have the baby and then prepare the room afterwards.

Think about where you will charge, whether you have access to home charging, your daily commute and your typical routes.

Most people quickly develop a new routine. Instead of stopping at a petrol station every few weeks, charging becomes part of your normal parking routine.

The Surprising Benefits of Owning an Electric Vehicles

Jonathan:You have multiple electric vehicles in your household. What has surprised you most?

Greg:The convenience.

People think charging is an inconvenience but if you do it properly, you rarely wait for your car to charge. You plug in when the car is parked and it’s ready when you need it.

There’s also a mindset shift. Instead of filling up once every few weeks, you’re constantly topping up when it suits your routine.

Many electric vehicle owners find that the driving experience itself is a surprise. The quietness, instant power delivery and technology make it feel very different from a traditional vehicle.

What About Battery Life and Resale Value?

Jonathan:Battery lifespan is still a major concern. Should buyers worry?

Greg:Battery degradation is one of the biggest misconceptions around electric vehicles.

We are seeing electric vehicles around the world covering enormous distances while maintaining excellent battery health. Modern batteries are designed to last.

You may see some gradual reduction in capacity over time but it’s not the dramatic decline many people imagine.

Battery technology is also improving rapidly, with developments like solid-state batteries on the horizon.

Where Are Electric Vehicles Heading in South Africa?

Jonathan:Looking ahead, what does the future look like?

Greg:We are still early in the transition but the momentum is clear.

More brands are entering the market, more consumers are becoming comfortable with the technology and charging infrastructure is expanding.

The biggest change will be the way we think about vehicles. EVs are not just cars with a different fuel source. They are software-defined vehicles that continue improving through updates.

The question is not whether this transition is happening. It is how quickly South Africa adapts.

ENDS

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