Dayun Yuehu S5 vs Dongfeng Box
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Dayun Yuehu S5 wins on money kept: 49% retained after three years vs 47%, worth about R 19 396 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Yuehu S5 | Box | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 399 900 | R 459 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 6 990/m | R 8 023/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 70% | 68% |
| Retained after 3 years | 49% | 47% |
| Value after 3 years | R 194 904 | R 214 300 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 204 996 | R 244 700 |
| Value after 5 years | R 134 350 | R 144 623 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Chinese (new entrant) |
Dayun Yuehu S5 →
The Yuehu S5 arrived in July 2024 as South Africa's cheapest electric car at R399,900, with a VIP version at R449,900. It is a Picanto-sized mini SUV with a claimed 330km range and a 100km/h top speed, so it suits city use. Enviro Automotive imports it in small volumes, which keeps the used market close to nonexistent.
Known for: sa's cheapest electric car
Dongfeng Box →
Dongfeng's first SA passenger model went on sale in November 2025 from R459,000, making it one of the cheapest EVs in the country. The Box is a small electric hatch with battery options rated at 330km or 430km of range. A single Pretoria dealership currently sells and services it, which limits appeal outside Gauteng.
Known for: affordable electric city car
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Dayun Yuehu S5 or the Dongfeng Box?
The Dayun Yuehu S5. It keeps about 49% of its price after three years against 47% for the Dongfeng Box, a gap of 2 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Dayun Yuehu S5 loses about R 204 996 over three years and the Dongfeng Box loses about R 244 700. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Dayun Yuehu S5 runs about R 6 990 per month and the Dongfeng Box about R 8 023, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.