The Eleksa CityBug promises the nippy short-range transport many residents find appealing. Also, it comes at a more affordable price – for an electric vehicle.

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Locally, we’ve seen a tremendous shift toward hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs). However, for the longest time owning an electric or hybrid vehicle remained a pipe dream for most car owners. Now, as both fuel and electricity prices soar, the Eleksa CityBug promises you a cost of only 15 cents per kilometre.

Cost to drive

The South African Revenue Service estimates the average cost per kilometre is R3,82. Notably, this rate is used to claim mileage and wear-and-tear for business purposes and it would fluctuate depending on the vehicle you drive and the fuel you use. However, it’s a good point of reference to understand how significantly the Eleksa CityBug reduces your overall travel spending.

Powered by a 9kWh battery and a 4kW electric motor, Eleksa says the full charge cost of the CityBug will cost approximately R15,00. At a range of 100 kilometres, this puts the CityBug’s cost per kilometre at about 15 cents. Interestingly, on purchase cost alone, it is priced well below its nearest electric competitors. Similarly, few cars can compete with this daily running cost.

Click here to see which electric vehicles are heading to South Africa soon.

Compact practicality

The Eleksa CityBug is simply that – a city runner. You’re not going to make Umkomaas from Durban, or Paarl from Cape Town and back. Especially considering the max speed is 60 km/h – meaning it really is just for the city. However, you will definitely be able to visit a couple of grocery stores and complete some school runs in your area. The CityBug slots itself in perfectly where especially those working within a reasonable range from their home, or have now taken to working remotely permanently but still require a car for odd driving occasions.

While the CityBug only features two doors and four seats, the rear seats can fold down to reveal a boot-like storage area. And it’s small! Its length is 2,96 m, with a width of 1,48 m, and a height of only 1,52 m. Additionally, the overall load-carrying capacity maxes out at about 300 kilograms.

Further, it is fitted with 12-inch alloy wheels and artificial leather seats with contrasting stitching. Features include:

  • aircon,
  • sound system,
  • USB ports,
  • central locking,
  • reverse camera,
  • electric windows,
  • digital instrument cluster,
  • Bluetooth connectivity,
  • Google maps navigation, and also
  • an Android tablet infotainment system.

Read our review of the Toyota Corolla Cross 1,8 Xs Hybrid Driven here.

Eleksa CityBug Pricing

The standard model with its 100-kilometre range retails for R230 000.00. Yet, it can be upgraded to a range of 200-kilometres for an additional cost.

More to come

Finally, the company seemingly seeing the same market demand that others are. Accordingly, the Eleksa website even states they’ll be adding more vehicles to their current offering. Their current product range includes the CityBug and a variety of recreational, loaded and mobility vehicles. “More vehicles will be added in (the) future including a small bakkie, delivery van and a small family SUV,” the company says.

Images credit: Eleksa