Load shedding or not, switching to electric cars in South Africa is just a matter of time

The chief executive of driver training group MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says that while electric vehicle (EV) adoption faces many challenges in South Africa, there are just as many solutions – adding that the change to EVs is not a matter of ‘if’ but a ‘when.’ “In the first three months of 2022, South Africa sold over 1,400 electric vehicles. This is more than 2020 and 2021 combined,” he said. While EV adoption in South Africa has been low, the spread of EV technology is expected to continue growing – and this is despite South Africa’s unique energy constraints. Herbert identified three challenges which are commonly divisive put-offs for electric vehicles in South Africa – he also provided some solutions to these issues that are currently being implemented or are coming. Affordability The primary issue for most people concerning EVs is the high initial outlay required, despite the possibility of saving considerably in the long-term, said Herbert. “Higher import costs and a lack of local development combine to create significantly higher costs than internal combustion engines (ICE). Currently, EVs are reserved for premium vehicles in South Africa.” “Out of the country’s top five sellers of vehicles, one focuses on hybrid options; another is investigating the viability of EV options while others have no plans to introduce it to their range anytime soon but intend pursuing other zero-emission options,” said Herbert. He listed the following possible mitigating factors: Affordability would increase once more models are made available; Price Parity with petrol-engine vehicles is expected by 2025; The government’s Green Paper is gaining traction and may re-look at the 25% import tax currently imposed on EVs; Recent talk around increasing EV part development in Africa. Infrastructure An unreliable energy supply poses a unique challenge in South Africa, which is far behind in development. The country also lacks charging points along long-distance routes, said Herbert. However, progress is being made in this regard, despite load shedding, including the rollout of charging ports and stations, as well as using solar backups to mitigate the stresses of blackouts. Jaguar is also installing 82 charging ports in major hubs and popular holiday routes; BMW has 230 current charging ports; ZimiCharge, a third-party app, looks to branch into ports – with 10,000 planned; Mordor Intelligence said significant investment in EWV power capacity is expected over the next decade in Africa.

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