Midrand, South Africa – Eskom Distribution has taken a significant step towards promoting electric vehicle adoption in South Africa by launching electric car charging stations in collaboration with GridCars.
The pilot project involves the installation of ten charging stations at five Eskom sites across the country, including Brackenfell in Cape Town, Mkondeni in Pietermaritzburg, Tlhabane CNC in Rustenburg, Marathon CNC in Mbombela, and the Eskom Academy of Learning in Midrand.
These charging stations, which include both DC Fast Chargers and AC Chargers, will serve as the foundation for Eskom’s long-term strategy to electrify its entire fleet by 2040.
In addition to the charging infrastructure, Eskom is also procuring twenty electric vehicles (EVs) for operational use. This initiative aligns with Eskom’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and stimulating the local EV market.
Gabriel Kgabo, general manager in the office of the group executive, emphasized the importance of this investment in eMobility and charging infrastructure. “By investing in eMobility and the charging infrastructure needed for electric vehicles, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also stimulating the local economy and creating new opportunities for growth,” Kgabo stated.
Eskom’s efforts are further supported by the government’s initiatives to promote electric vehicles in South Africa. The EV White Paper released by the Department of Trade Industry and Competition and the incentives announced by National Treasury aim to encourage the local production of EVs.
In addition to its own initiatives, Eskom has also entered into a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with Golden Arrow Bus Services to explore the introduction of electric buses into the public transport sector.
Golden Arrow Bus Services CEO Francois Meyer highlighted the importance of partnerships in implementing electric buses at scale. “Introducing electric buses at scale requires partnerships between large electricity generators, distributors and users – this MOC will enable us to work together to provide a public bus service which is safe, reliable and cost effective,” he said.
Golden Arrow plans to replace 10% of its fleet with electric buses by the end of 2025. The company has already conducted rigorous testing of electric buses and has entered into a deal with Chinese manufacturer BYD to supply 120 electric buses.
