SA Launches EV Energy Drive to Prove Long-Distance Viability of E-Mobility

As South Africa continues its annual Transport Month celebrations throughout October, the spotlight has turned toward a major leap in sustainable mobility with the launch of the e-Mobility Energy Drive. This pioneering initiative aims to demonstrate that electric vehicles (EVs) are ready for long-distance travel across the country, challenging myths around range anxiety, infrastructure gaps, and performance under local conditions.

The programme is the result of a dynamic collaboration between the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), the Uyilo e-Mobility Programme at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), and Volvo Cars South Africa.

From Johannesburg to Gqeberha: Testing the Limits

Launched over the weekend, the initiative involves driving a Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Motor Ultimate, one of the country's leading electric SUV models, across a multi-province route from Johannesburg to Gqeberha. The journey passes through Gauteng, the Free State, and the Eastern Cape, with the vehicle collecting real-world data on EV performance, including:

• Charging efficiency at various locations

• Battery range across different terrains and driving conditions

• Energy consumption patterns

• Driver and infrastructure interaction

This data will feed into ongoing research spearheaded by the DSTI and SANEDI to evaluate South Africa's infrastructure readiness, policy gaps, and user experience, with a view toward scaling up e-mobility adoption nationwide.

"This initiative proves that clean mobility is not just a vision for the future; it is happening now," said Mandy Mlilo, Acting Chief Director for Hydrogen and Energy at DSTI.

The Uyilo e-Mobility Innovation Summit: Driving Dialogue and Innovation

The Energy Drive culminates at the Uyilo e-Mobility Innovation Summit, which opens on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. The summit is a flagship event for Transport Month 2025, a national platform that showcases South Africa's advances in building an environmentally sustainable, technologically advanced transport system.

The Uyilo Summit brings together government leaders, researchers, private sector innovators, and community stakeholders to accelerate discussions around:

• EV ecosystem development

• Policy integration for smart mobility

• Public-private partnerships for e-mobility

• Green transport manufacturing

• Electric infrastructure planning

• Job creation in clean energy sectors

"This partnership reflects our nation's growing capacity and commitment to cleaner transportation," said Dr Titus Mathe, CEO of SANEDI. "By aligning research, innovation and public engagement, we are driving tangible progress toward a low-carbon, energy-efficient future."

Raising Awareness on the Road

Beyond data collection, the Energy Drive is also a rolling awareness campaign. As the branded EV moves through towns and provinces, it makes public stops for engagement, educates residents on the advantages of EVs, and helps normalize the concept of clean transportation. It aims to dispel myths, such as:

• EVs can't travel long distances

• South Africa lacks sufficient charging stations

• EVs are only for urban, elite users

By showcasing the reliability, safety, and practicality of EVs in varied South African environments, the initiative is laying the groundwork for greater public confidence, a critical step in advancing consumer adoption.

Policy Implications and Infrastructure Planning

The real-time data collected during the journey will provide policymakers with evidence-based insights to:

• Design better EV incentives for consumers

• Plan charging corridors along national and regional highways

• Develop grid-integrated energy solutions for EV demand

• Inform standards for battery recycling and EV maintenance

This data-driven approach aligns with South Africa's commitment to a Just Energy Transition, ensuring that the shift to renewable energy and cleaner transport is inclusive, equitable, and locally relevant.

Building a South African E-Mobility Ecosystem

The long-term vision supported by this initiative includes:

• Creating green jobs through EV-related manufacturing and services

• Stimulating local innovation in battery tech, smart grids, and vehicle software

• Reducing South Africa's transport carbon footprint, which is one of the largest contributors to national emissions

• Positioning the country as a regional hub for e-mobility within the SADC region

The Volvo XC40 Recharge, on display throughout the summit at NMU, will return to Johannesburg after the event, continuing its data-gathering mission and public engagements.

"Through strategic partnerships with SANEDI, Uyilo and Volvo, we are building public confidence in electric mobility, advancing our just energy transition goals and reducing our national carbon footprint," said Mlilo.

A Green Transport Future in Motion

The e-Mobility Energy Drive and Uyilo e-Mobility Innovation Summit together serve as a launchpad for broader national collaboration between the public sector, academia, and industry to shape South Africa's smart mobility roadmap.

As the summit concludes on Thursday, 30 October 2025, its legacy will continue in research, policymaking, and public discourse — marking a significant milestone in the country's journey toward a sustainable, inclusive, and digitally-enabled transport ecosystem.