Given the country’s energy crisis, and infrastructure woes there are some reservations about Electric Vehicles (EVs) as a viable alternative to petrol cars in South Africa. The reality is that EVs are already commonplace, with an 83% increase in EV sales in South Africa for 2024.

The South African government is also considering a ban on the import of petrol vehicles from 2035, and whilst not set, it is interesting to see this measure even being considered.

The Just Energy Transition, South Africa’s plan to move to a green and climate proof economy, not only encompasses a diversification in the energy mix but also the adoption of green technology throughout the country. E-mobility is one of the pillars that the South African National Energy Development Institute proposes as part of the green future.

For those who have not dipped their toes into the electric vehicle market, it can seem like a mystery, but there has been a considerable effort by the public and private sector in getting South Africa EV ready. Gridcars, an EV charging station specialist, has been growing the market for some years now, preparing for an electric future.

What about the infrastructure

The number one question that people have for Winstone Jordaan, director at Gridcars, is ‘Where do I fill up?’ and the reality is that there are currently more than 350 charging stations located across the country in strategic locations to allow for both city commuting and long-form travel.

“This notion that you will struggle to find a charger is just not true, the country currently has the infrastructure to support the current load of EVs on the market,” adds Winstone.

Gridcars, a company that specialises in EV charging stations, has steadily grown South Africa’s charging infrastructure and now owns roughly 60-70% of national charging points. According to Winstone, they use market trends to ensure the grid system is always bigger than the current EV market which encourages growth in the sector, “we do not want to overinvest, but we do want to constantly meet the current demand. There will always be enough charging stations for the South African market and of all preventions to this market infrastructure is not one of them.”

While the country has surpassed 200 days without load-shedding the anxiety persists, and Winstone says, “The reality is that charging stations use a diverse mix of energy and do not solely rely on the national grid, load shedding has no impact on charging.”

Forming part of Gridcars’ business strategy is the visual confirmation of use and availability of EV chargers and their interactive map does just that. The map shows all their chargers across South Africa, and their status- whether they are available, off, and in use.

Range anxiety

For some the idea of a car that needs charging with a limited range can seem daunting, but Winstone disagrees, “Range anxiety is something that only people without an EV suffer from. Petrol cars also have ranges, need to be filled up, and long trips require planning too. The only difference is time. When you are making a long trip you can drive to adjust the range, and stop to charge as you would fill up a petrol car and make peace with the timing.”

The benefits of EVs

EVs are cleaner, there is no debate. While the environmental impact of EVs is comparable to the latest euro 5 cars, this is a minority and Gridcars states that EVs that source their energy from even the dirtiest electricity sources are at least 30% more efficient than petrol cars, “a number that improves dramatically when we draw energy from renewables or cleaner coal sources” adds Winstone.

The environmental impact is noteworthy but in South Africa, people are more concerned with their wallets, and this is where Winstone makes a compelling case.

“The choice to have an EV is a choice unlike any other, and on the surface, EVs are more expensive but if you look at operating costs then EVs become much cheaper in the long run.” For instance, if you are driving more than 100km a day then EVs become dramatically cheaper over a long period. The operating costs of an EV are 76% less per kilometre than a similar petrol car.

End game

The official EV white paper outlines a roadmap for South Africa’s E-Mobility goals. This includes expanding the local manufacturing of EVs from as early as 2026, as well as an active approach to expanding charging infrastructure.

Winstone says, “It’s not a question of ‘are EVs the future” anymore but when will the EV future come to fruition.” South Africa’s EV goals are in line with the global context and with the available charging infrastructure and plans to expand South Africa is prepped for the future of transport.