Lifestyle reporter
The electric car market is picking up steam in the South African motor industry and come September 2021, the cheapest electric car will go on sale in the country.
Eleksa the company bringing the CityBug to SA has been around for six years and specialises in various types of electric vehicles.
The CityBug has a maximum speed of 60km and at a retail price of just R200,000, is pinned as the cheapest electric car in the country.
What’s more, is a full charge on the small battery will cost just R15 and can take between 10 and 12 hours.
More about the CityBug
The CityBug EV is a practical vehicle for short-range driving due to its extremely low running costs. If fuel security is a concern as a motorist then electric mobility has appeal.
While most electric vehicle brands are first-generation battery vehicles from established heavy SUVs and cross-over brands, the CityBug is cheap and compact.
The CityBug is an urban EV with the following capabilities:
- Charging cost of 15c per km.
- A full charge costs around R15.00.
- Speed 60km/h.
- Range 100 km (upgradeable to 200km).
- Includes aircon, navigation, electric windows, android tablet, USB and a sound system.
- 2 Doors 4 Seats.
The Eleksa CityBug is a small car with two doors and seating for up to four people. It measures 2,960mm long, 1,480mm wide, and 1,520mm tall and weighs in at 450kg.
It comes in slightly bigger than the Bajaj Qute
Sourced from China, European distributors have managed to navigate strict regulations and get roadworthy certification for the CityBug in Germany and the UK. Owner Phillip Geyser said the CityBug’s SA roadworthy certification process has been finalised.
While costs are low and the vehicle seems like a practical buy, there are limitations to the CityBug. With the top speed at just 60km, it will not be advisable to make use of the vehicle on highways. The battery range is at 100km per charge but it is not an indication of how long the car can manage in peak traffic before it runs out of juice.
Speed limitations and range aside, there are no safety ratings available on the vehicle.


