Good news for electric cars in South Africa

 ·21 Apr 2023

One of the major challenges facing electric car adoption – a lack of charging ports, is starting to be addressed by both private and public companies.

Tim Reynolds, the general manager at Technical Solutions Servest, said that the country’s electric vehicle (EV) market has also been slow to take off as a result of high upfront costs and limited availability of EV models.

Recent data from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) showed that there had been a significant increase in the sales of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in South Africa.

In the first three quarters of 2022, 3,092 NEVs were sold, compared to only 896 in the same period of the previous year, reported the association.

“Several key aspects of this growth have been attributed to the evolution of electric vehicle technology, including charging stations,” said Reynolds

“As the world continues to focus on reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to more sustainable transportation solutions, the demand for EVs is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years.”

Eskom’s inability to supply stable electricity is one of the unique challenges facing the shift to EVs in South Africa. Reynolds said that many companies are now developing solar-powered EV charging stations in light of South Africa’s electricity supply constraints.

To combat this, Eskom announced in February this year that it would play a major role in supporting the development of the EV sector in the country.

Monde Bela, the executive for distribution at the power utility, said that it has pledged to make a positive contribution towards local market stimulation of EVs.

Bela added that the company aims to replace its entire fleet of conventional vehicles with EVs by 2040. The company is currently introducing 13,000 EVs for both utility and passenger vehicles.

Reynolds said that the move toward more widespread EV charging infrastructure would contribute to the growth of the overall EV market.

“As the demand for EV charging infrastructure continues to rise, we have no doubt that we will also see a good market response to this evolving market; and, in turn, even more opportunities for facilities management companies already playing in this space.”

To add value to the market’s future, more companies are developing solar-powered EV charging stations in light of the country’s unique electricity supply constraints.

Currently, as reported by BusinessTech, cash-strapped South Africans would struggle to get their hands on an affordable EV. The cheapest EV in the country, priced at less than R1 million, is the Mini Cooper SE, with an asking price of R742,000.

The most expensive model is the Audi RS e-tron GT, reaching over R3 million.


Read: Suzuki launches its first hybrid in South Africa – the all-new Grand Vitara

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