‘Eye Car’ With an Edge: Bold New EV Brand iCAUR Coming to South Africa in 2026

A Bold New ‘Eye’ on the Road: Chery’s Electric iCAUR SUVs Set to Launch in South Africa

The electric vehicle (EV) race in South Africa is heating up, and the latest contender is a fresh-faced brand with global muscle behind it. Meet iCAUR (pronounced “eye car”), a youthful new energy vehicle brand from Chinese powerhouse Chery Group — and it’s headed for local roads in early 2026.

If you’ve heard the name Chery, you’re not alone. The company is already the driving force behind popular models under Chery, Omoda, and Jaecoo, and now it’s looking to charge up the EV scene with a line-up that promises style, smarts and sustainability.

Electric SUVs With a Global Following

Launched internationally in 2023, iCAUR has been quietly making waves in markets like China, Malaysia, and India, where its fully electric and hybrid SUVs are already earning praise for their futuristic design and feature-rich interiors. While the exact models coming to South Africa haven’t been confirmed yet, anticipation is building fast.

“We’re not just bringing electric cars — we’re bringing a whole new attitude,” said Shannon Gahagan, iCAUR South Africa’s national brand and marketing manager. “It’s about making electric driving exciting, accessible, and tailored to South African lifestyles.”

Designed for Jozi Streets and KZN Bush Breaks

According to Gahagan, iCAUR’s local strategy goes beyond importing vehicles. It’s about aligning with how South Africans actually live — whether that’s navigating Sandton’s stop-start traffic, loading up the boot for a Garden Route getaway, or looking to cut fuel costs in the midst of yet another petrol price hike.

“South Africa is a country with a rich outdoor lifestyle, vibrant urban culture and an increasingly energy-conscious mindset,” she said. “These are the communities iCAUR is built for.”

The brand is in the final stages of setting up its retail footprint, with plans to launch at 15 dealerships across major metros by the time of its first-quarter 2026 debut. Cape Town, Durban, and Joburg are expected to be among the first cities to welcome iCAUR showrooms.

Public Curiosity and Cautious Optimism

Reactions on social media have been a mix of curiosity and cautious hope. Some users on X (formerly Twitter) are excited about the design leaks and global reviews, while others are asking the big question: Will the pricing be realistic for South African buyers?

That’s still unclear. While EV prices have been notoriously steep in the local market — partly due to high import tariffs and limited government incentives — iCAUR seems determined to shake things up with what it calls a “joyful and accessible” approach to clean mobility.

What’s Next?

Beyond the cars themselves, iCAUR is expected to roll out lifestyle partnerships and local activations, hinting at a campaign that speaks to younger, urban drivers and early adopters of tech.

It’s a smart move. With fuel prices rising, load shedding forcing consumers to rethink their power choices, and climate consciousness on the rise, South Africa may finally be at the turning point for wider EV adoption — especially if brands like iCAUR can get the balance of price, practicality and personality right.

Until more details surface about which specific models will make it to local shores, one thing is certain: 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for electric driving in South Africa, and iCAUR is throwing its hat into the ring with confidence.

Source:Tech Central 

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