GGDA

By Mandla Mpangase The Big Question at this week’s New Energy Vehicles Summit can best be summed up as ‘How can South Africa fast-track to alternative energy vehicles?’ On Day 2 of the NEV Summit 2025, hosted by the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) and the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone at Gallagher Convention Centre, in Midrand, on 23 October 2025, a panel discussion on Challenges and opportunities in the charging infrastructure provided some answers. Moderated by the Department of Transport’s Pulane Manale, some pointed questions were posed to the panellists around “smart charging”, the use of artificial intelligence (AI), skills development, the business case for NEVs, the country’s readiness for the transition, and the role of government interventions. In response, the panel made it clear that South Africa’s road to green mobility will be powered not only by technology, but by collaboration, innovation and decisive government action. Technology at the heart of the transition Cathy Shilubana, CEO of Volt Hi reiterated that green mobility was tech-based. “AI helps us manage everything, from the interface between drivers and chargers to predicting carbon emissions and detecting vandalism or faults in real time. Our systems can lock down automatically if tampering is detected. That’s how AI is securing the infrastructure.” The company, which is partnering with the AIDC, revealed plans to establish an EV-charger assembly plant in South Africa, training local engineering graduates and sending them to China for hands-on experience. “We are reskilling young people for jobs that are fit for purpose,” she added. “This is how technology transfer becomes job creation.” Lessons from abroad Cangjun Zhou, from China’s EV Mengchen Wenzou, drew lessons from projects in Ethiopia. The first challenge is one well-known to South Africans – an unhindered power supply. “We need stronger transformers and upgraded grids.” The second challenge is that of s government planning. “Without long-term strategy and support, progress slows,” he said. His recommendation for South Africa was to focus on fast-charging infrastructure around 160 kW, which suits most vehicles in the mainstream market while being cost-efficient. Partnerships, he emphasised, are crucial – not only with government, but with local payment solutions. “The payment model affects how convenient EVs become. Every country needs its own solution.” He also announced that his firm would be building an assembly plant in South Africa, supported by local partners, aimed at serving the entire African market. “We hope South Africa will be the leader for green energy across the continent,” he said. Before NEVs there was GridCars For Winston Jordan, CEO of GridCars, the local EV-charging pioneer, the transition is already under way. “We started building charging infrastructure before EVs even arrived, back in 2011,” he said. “Now there are over 800 public chargers across the country and roughly 6 000 more installed in homes. So, the idea that South Africa isn’t ready simply isn’t true.” Jordan pointed out that charging in South Africa is cheaper than petrol by at least a third. Different chargers, speeds, and connections mean different prices. But the average driver pays far less than they would for fuel.” He also observed that the private sector should be driving the charging rollout, suggesting that government had more pressing priorities in delivering basic services. Nonetheless, Jordan issued a challenge to government to lead by example. “The biggest thing government can do is take the lead and set aggressive targets,” he said. “If the President announced tomorrow that all new government vehicles must be electric, it would send a clear signal to the market.” He also urged that the automotive sector look at targets closer than the South African Automotive Masterplan’s 2035. “The target of 2035 is too late; we need 2028 or 2030 at the latest.” Load shedding is in the rear-view mirror Eskom’s Mashangu Xivambu, responding to questions about grid capacity and energy security, was optimistic. “Load-shedding is now in the rear-view mirror,” he said. “We’ve had 157 consecutive days without it, and we’re learning from the past.”   Eskom, he noted, has already launched a pilot programme for EVs and has committed to converting its entire 8 700-vehicle fleet to electric by 2035. The utility is also installing solar-powered charging stations at its offices, including in rural areas, and plans to open charging points to the public. “People need to see that they can drive anywhere and still charge their vehicles,” he said. “If Eskom is doing it, others will follow.” The way forward The panel agreed that while technology is key, policy coherence and skills development are equally important. “We need a conducive environment to grow the NEV sector,” Shilubana said, adding an innovative idea that would draw attention of the public to the importance of green mobility. She suggested the use of green number plates on NEVs to help the public recognise them on the road and normalise their presence. “The more people see them, the faster adoption grows.” Jordan said that skills transformation must include retraining traditional automotive technicians. “The future is electric, but we can’t leave petrol-engine mechanics behind. We must upskill them for the next generation of vehicles.” By the end of the discussion, one message came through clearly: South Africa is ready, but urgency and alignment are essential. From AI-powered chargers to homegrown assembly plants, and from Eskom’s electric fleet to the private sector’s nationwide network, the building blocks are already in place. What is required is fearless leadership and an accelerated NEV rollout. As Jordan put it: “Electric mobility is not a choice between technologies, it’s a transition. The future is electric. The question is whether South Africa will be ready to lead or just follow.”