1. Sign up for daily news updates from CleanTechnica via email or follow on Google News.
2. Pickups are popular in traditional auto markets like South Africa and Australia, as well as in smaller markets in Africa.
3. New car sales in many African countries are dominated by used vehicles, with pickups being a significant segment for fleet operators and various industries.
The pickup truck market is booming in various regions, including South Africa, Australia, Thailand, and the US. New car sales in Africa may not reflect the full extent of the market due to the high percentage of used vehicle registrations. Despite low new vehicle sales in some African countries, the pickup truck segment is particularly popular, accounting for over 50% of sales in many markets.
In Africa, pickups are commonly used by fleet operators, utility companies, and various industries. The introduction of electric pickups like the JAC T8 and SAIC Maxus T90 EV in some African markets is a promising development. Plug-in hybrid pickup trucks, such as the Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid and the new BYD Shark, offer a balance between electric and ICE power, providing longer range and reducing range anxiety in markets with limited charging infrastructure.
BYD’s innovative BYD Shark PHEV boasts impressive performance and safety features, showcasing the potential of plug-in hybrid technology. While opinions on plug-in hybrids may vary, they could serve as a stepping stone towards full battery-electric vehicles in regions like Africa. BYD’s plans to release a full battery-electric version of the Shark in the future signal a shift towards electrified mobility in the pickup truck segment, potentially catalyzing awareness and adoption of electric vehicles in Africa.