The electric vehicle market is heating up, but not in the way you might expect.

In this episode of The Africa EV Show, host Njenga Hakeenah is joined by Lei Xing, co-host of China EVs & More, to unpack the brutal price war currently shaking up the global EV industry and the implications for Africa’s emerging EV landscape.

At the center of this pricing battle is China’s EV giant BYD, which recently announced deep discounts that bring the price of its Seagull model down to just $8,000. While this may sound like a win for affordability, it could upend markets across the globe, including Africa.

We explore how these price cuts are pressuring smaller automakers, both in China and abroad, and ask whether Africa might become a dumping ground for “orphaned” EVs from brands that can’t survive the price war. There’s also the looming risk of poor after-sales service, disappearing warranties, and an influx of e-waste from cheap imports.

 This episode dives into whether African markets can compete by scaling up local assembly, adjusting tariff structures, and navigating the delicate balance between affordability and sustainability. We also take a closer look at who might survive this bloodbath. Tesla may have started the race, but BYD is taking it to extremes.

Key takeaways include:

• BYD’s aggressive price strategy is forcing smaller EV brands out of business at a record speed.
• African consumers risk being stranded if brands collapse and fail to provide ongoing support. 
• Chinese automakers are eyeing Africa for expansion, but after-sales service remains a significant weak spot.

If you care about the future of mobility in Africa, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Subscribe to The Africa EV Show for expert insights, and don’t forget to like, comment, and share to support more conversations that matter.