WATCH: South Africa’s cheapest new electric car and bakkie debut

With emphasis continuing to be placed on electric vehicles despite the lack of government supported incentives as well as the worsening energy crisis, EV.Africa, has becomes the latest to enter the EV scene with its range of City Blitz urban electric vehicles.

Price and range

Set to be distributed by Combined Motor Holdings (CHM) through 11 outlets located in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, North West, the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, the City Blitz range comprise four models; a two-seater that becomes South Africa’s cheapest electric vehicle priced at R199 900, a four-seater stickered at R239 900, a bakkie also priced at R239 900 and a panel van that requires parting with R249 900.

ALSO READ: Tiny Eleksa CityBug debuts as SA’s cheapest electric car

Based on the Jiayuan City Spirit made in China, and aimed at intercity travels as per their classification as quadracycles rather than proper cars, all four City Blitz models are powered by a single 10-kWh battery located underneath the seats that produce 7.5 kW.

Able to reach a top speed of 80 km/h and travel 160 km on a single charge, 150 km in the case of the bakkie and van, the City Blitz is only chargeable from a traditional household socket and according to EV.Africa, will require a waiting time of between four to six hours.

What is it?

Constructed out of a steel monocoque cage, all four models weigh less than 640 kg without the driver, and ride on 12-inch wheels while utilising a MacPherson independent suspension design at the front and trailing arm at the rear.

In the case of the bakkie and panel van, a payload of 300 kg is rated, along with the capacity to transport a single Euro pallet.

Unsurprisingly small as per the quadracycle regulations in China and Europe, the City Blitz two and four seater measure 2 242 mm long, 1 290 mm wide and 1 570 mm with a wheelbase of 1 500 mm.

Dimensions for the panel van and bakkie are slightly larger at 3 150 mm, 1 297 mm and 1 685 mm respectively, with the wheelbase stretching 2 300 mm.

The respective loadbox measurements in terms of length, height and width is 1 380 mm x 1 000 mm x 1 200 mm.

You still need a licence

In spite of their cutesy looks, all four City Blitz derivatives are stocked with air-conditioning, electric windows, an LCD audio system with two-speakers, Bluetooth and USB, LED daytime running lights and even a glass roof with a provided shade cover.

Given its market clientele and unsuitability for highway driving, the City Blitz lacks any form of safety system such as airbags or ABS, though it does receive four corner hydraulic disc brakes as standard, plus inertia real seatbelts.

Unlike legislation in some European markets pertaining to quadracycles, piloting the City Blitz in South Africa still requires a valid driver’s licence regardless of age.

The drive

And piloting the tiny tyke, regardless of bodystyle, is something of a surreal experience for drivers more use to a traditional car, bakkie or van.

That being said, the short drive, literally around the block in Pretoria this week, was still fun as, unsurprisingly, the City Blitz accelerates with a great deal of verve until tampering off once passed 50 km/h.

Stability wasn’t an issue either and neither was the steering that has power assistance, but without feeling overly light or lifeless.

In fact, the main drawbacks, again expected, is the tiny cabin that requires some leg contortions to operate the off-centre pedals, isn’t exactly elbow or leg friendly for two adults seated side-by-side, and comes with seats offering limited backrest adjustment, especially in the bakkie and panel van.

However, given their immediate focus and intent of usage, faulting the City Blitz will be akin to unfair knit-picking as neither quartet are designed to travel the same distances and at the same speed with comparative comfort as a Renault Kwid or Suzuki S-Presso.

Now available through leisure shops and in a variety of colours, all four City Blitz models are covered by a four-year/60 000 km warranty.

NOW READ: Legacy: Government needs attitude change regarding EV support