Japan’s Toyota dominated South Africa’s hybrid market in 2024, accounting for three out of every four hybrid vehicles sold. A year later, Chinese competitors are starting to chip away at that dominance.

Traditional hybrids remain the most popular type of new energy vehicle in South Africa, with 12,818 units sold in 2025. These vehicles charge through the engine and regenerative braking. Plug-in hybrids, which can be connected to the grid, recorded 2,810 sales.

While Japan, led by Toyota, continues to dominate traditional hybrids (71% share) in 2025, the tide is turning. Toyota sold 1,984 fewer vehicles in 2025 than the year before, an 18% year-on-year decrease. In contrast, Chinese brands are gaining traction in the plug-in hybrid market. From a negligible base in 2024, China sold 1,791 plug-in hybrids in 2025, led by Chery (751 units) and supported by the arrival of Haval (448), Jaecoo (317), and Omoda (273). The only major non-Chinese challenger in the top five brands of plug-in vehicles sold is Germany’s BMW, which recorded 681 sales.