The Quiet Allure of EVs, Seen Through the Alfa Romeo Junior

Photographer: Minazel Studio

Electric vehicles (EVs) are slowly becoming the global standard. Almost every brand now has at least one electric derivative in their line-up and, if not, a hybrid. We’ve seen brands like Tesla and BYD dominate the EV space in certain countries, but EVs remain something of a myth among many in South Africa and Africa as a whole.

Yes, a few people simply don’t care for EVs; they want a roaring engine that sings to the tune of their foot on the accelerator. But the larger issue is that most people still don’t know enough about EVs to take them seriously. That hasn’t stopped brands from bringing them into South Africa though. The Volvo EX30 is doing exceptionally well in sales and, if you spend a day in places like Rosebank, you’ll definitely spot a few BMW iXs sailing around. Even Rolls-Royce brought the Spectre to South Africa.

Those who understand EVs know that it is possible to own and live with one in South Africa. But the vast majority still aren’t in the know.

The Real Barriers: Infrastructure, Load Shedding Anxiety, and Motorhead Culture

If you are ever kidnapped and blindly dropped into a country filled with VW Polos and loudly tuned hatchbacks, you’re in South Africa. SA has a distinct car culture built around hot hatches and performance models like the BMW M3 and Audi RS3. Convincing such a culture to embrace EVs is already a tall order.

Then comes load shedding;  a trauma South Africans don’t forget easily. Even people who might consider an EV immediately cite Eskom’s instability as a dealbreaker. But perhaps the biggest hindrance is the public charging network. South Africa is not like the UK or the Netherlands, where you’ll spot an EV charger every ten blinks as you drive. When I searched for chargers on Google Maps, I found a few, but most were either not working or unavailable. And when I finally chose one, I arrived to find a single plug. So what happens if someone else is already using it?

Many people also assume chargers only exist at private homes. I got stopped by a couple admiring the EV I was driving, asking how I was “even surviving”. Only to explain that some office parks have chargers (many free of charge), certain fuel stations on highways have them, and most shopping malls now have fast chargers too. Simple misconceptions like these, and a general lack of exposure, are a major reason EVs haven’t taken off in South Africa.

Understandably, charging time is another stumbling block. If you’re out and about and your battery runs critically low, you now have to find a charger and wait for at least an hour, depending on how much charge you need. Why would anyone choose that when they could pour in fuel for two minutes and be on their way?

Shifting Mindsets: How 24 Hours With the Junior Answered (and Raised) Questions

With all the concerns and misconceptions mentioned above, I genuinely think getting an EV requires a slight lifestyle adjustment, especially in South Africa. This is something I realised while sitting behind the wheel of the Alfa Romeo Junior. These adjustments include plugging in your car every night as you would your phone, or choosing to shop in places where you can charge while you browse. Small things, but things many people aren’t ready to commit to.

I also think many people dismiss EVs without ever experiencing them. Purists love saying EVs are “boring” or “too quiet”. But in reality, who drives around every day like they’re on a racetrack? Most of the time, you’re simply driving to get somewhere.

Another, funny but understandable, criticism is that many EVs are ugly. People want exhausts and presence. And let’s be honest, a lot of brands have produced some rather questionable designs (looking at you, Mercedes). Even today, people say the BMW iX is a great car, if you ignore the looks. So yes, many EVs are polarising, but I can confidently say that the Alfa Romeo Junior I drove is eye candy.

During my time with it, I learned that EVs can be fun. Yes, the noise is synthesised, but you cannot tell me that planting your foot and taking off immediately isn’t fun. Especially in a market where Chinese brands dominate with 1.5-litre turbo engines that respond like a grandma on sleeping pills.

People love citing range anxiety, but living with an EV in the city eliminates most of that stress. Charging stations aren’t everywhere, but you’ll find one long before you actually run out. At Woodmead Retail Park, I charged the Alfa from 50% to 100% in under an hour while doing some shopping. Most EVs will go from 0% to 80% in about 30 minutes on a fast charger.

EVs also give you a huge advantage in tight spaces or when overtaking, thanks to instant torque. Coming from a Chinese petrol car, the difference was immense, and it’s something people need to experience for themselves. Yes, EVs are heavy because of the batteries, but the power balances it beautifully. My short stint in an EV genuinely changed my perspective.

Design: A Literal Head-Turner

The Junior cannot be compared to the iX in terms of looks; this thing will win almost anyone over. I played a little game where I counted how many people looked back at the car as I drove past: nine out of ten. The last guy had dark sunglasses and was playing with a stick, so maybe he was occupied.

It’s a genuinely beautiful car, and pictures don’t do it justice. People stopped me to ask what car it was, even after seeing the Alfa badge. It retains Alfa’s signature aggression, but with a uniqueness to its shape, proportions and lighting.

The cabin doesn’t feel like an IT department. You get proper bucket seats in the Veloce trim, Alfa badging where it belongs, a driver-focused cockpit and enough tech to feel modern without going full spaceship. Climate control is not tucked into a screen, always a win. What I would say, is that the cabin feels like a sports car. It is draped in alcantara; from the seats to the steering wheel and all the dash and doors. And speaking of seats, the Veloce features Sabet bucket seats, that are very sporty, tight, and fitting for such a car.

The wheels deserve their own paragraph. The Veloce gets large, exposed four-spoke wheels that look like sculpture. You can practically put your whole leg through them and see the brake components clearly. They’re stunning.

Usually, when I start taking photos of a car in a certain area, guards chase me away. This time, a guard stopped me, not to chase me away, but to admire what car it was. He looked inside and outside, said “wow” a few times and let me continue. Pretty privilege.

Performance: Electric, But Still Very Alfa

I was spoiled to have this as my first EV. Specifically, I drove the Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce with 280 horsepower (207 kW) and 375 Nm. On paper, that may not sound dramatic for an Alfa, but the car weighs only about 1 590 kg, and that changes everything. It’s a light, fun pocket rocket. It gets to speed quickly and continues pulling effortlessly at higher speeds.

It’s front-wheel drive, but the steering is very light, direct and responsive. You always know what the car is doing and always feel in control.

It has three drive modes: Dynamic, Natural and Advanced Efficiency (spelling out DNA on the screen, a very Alfa touch). Another cool Easter egg is the Alfa snake logo styled as a charging cable.

Tech and Features: Modern Without the Fuss

You get a digital instrument display and a 10.25-inch infotainment system. I didn’t get to tinker with it enough to fully understand it, but it works fine. It has ambient lighting, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and all the essentials you’d expect.

What the Junior Represents for South African EV Adoption

The Junior enters a market where EVs aren’t thriving because of misconceptions and a preference for ICE cars. But this car breaks down a lot of those walls. Its design alone starts conversations, and it’s the kind of car people approach out of curiosity.

It isn’t a heavy, awkward battery box. It’s a pretty, light, city-friendly EV with genuine personality. It’s definitely not the car for road trips, not by any stretch, but in the city it’s fantastic. The only real barrier is the price. At R799,900 (and R999,900 for the Veloce), it’s not a small ask,  but it is a great car.