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SA’s first electric vehicle road trip to launch EV charging stations across country

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The global uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) has been growing rapidly over the past ten years, with electric passenger cars passing the 5 million mark in 2018, up by 63% from the previous year. In line with this growth, the number of charging points worldwide was estimated to be approximately 5.2 million at the end of 2018, up 44% from 2017. However, South Africa was one of the markets that reported a drop in EV sales between 2017 and 2018.

This is according to Ben Pullen, CEO at Generation.e who refers to the Global EV Outlook 2019: Scaling-up the transition to electric mobility report. “Whilst infrastructure development has been relatively good when measured against the number of electric vehicles in South Africa, there is still a growing need to expand and strengthen infrastructure, especially as we expect the number of electric vehicles to grow considerably in 2020. It will be this way for many years to come, which presents a clear opportunity for South African businesses and entrepreneurs.”

To illustrate this point he refers to the Electric Vehicles 2019 Market Intelligence report by GreenCape, which states that placing charging stations in locations that are easily accessible to commuters is vital to the adoption and growth of the EV market. “The reports goes on to say that in South Africa, the network currently consists of 120 publicly accessible charging stations, which are mainly found in the Gauteng province.”

However, Pullen explains that it is vital for the country to start minimising these challenges as it is now more important than ever to start promoting the use of EVs in order to reap the benefits that they provide. “This includes minimising air pollution and carbon emissions, reducing fuel and vehicle maintenance costs for end users whilst promoting a national shift towards smarter mobility and a greener economy.”

“It is for this reason that South Africa’s first electric vehicle road trip (EVRT) brought to the country by Generation.e, will be rolling out EV charging stations powered by ACDC Dynamics, effectively creating a charging network to support the EVRT Africa initiative,” says Pullen.

Mario Maio, CEO at ACDC Dynamics says, as a market leader in the electrical Industry, ACDC Dynamics continuously exposes its market, and South Africa, to the latest global trends. “With the EV evolution quickly gaining momentum, we envision our involvement fast-tracking South Africa’s conversion to electric transportation.”

“This network will lay the foundation for mass expansion across South Africa to support smarter mobility. Our goal is to make smarter mobility options a reality for all South Africans by providing a national charging network and the technology to support it,” says Maio.

“ACDC Dynamics strives to inspire our industry and South Africans to embrace technology by making these technologies available and accessible to all South Africans through our stores and distribution networks. Generation.e’s vision of creating a smart and sustainable worldwide community should be a goal for all companies to work toward,” he adds.

“Not only do we plan on powering smarter mobility in South Africa, we plan on empowering South Africans as well. With a full range of products to support both domestic and commercial charging, ACDC Dynamics makes electric charging accessible and affordable to all.”

As an entrepreneur, Maio envisions the future of EV charging becoming positioned to create opportunities for local small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs.

Pullen says, charging stations will be launched at approximately eight locations along the route of the EVRT Africa powered by ACDC Dynamics including the Travel Inn at Shell Ultra City, Kroonstad, de Stijl Gariep Hotel, Gariep Dam, Wolwefontein Hotel, Wolwefontein, and The Vineyard, Newlands, Cape Town.

“With this initiative, Generation.e and ACDC Dynamics hope to inspire South Africans to embrace Electric Transportation with aims to kick start the continued roll-out of charging stations countrywide,” concludes Pullen.

You can help the quiet revolution along by installing an EV Charging station outside your Guest House, Hotel, Coffee Shop, Restaurant, Shopping Centre or in your forecourt. Contact Straton Electrical for EV Charging Station options.

Read More articles about EV’s and Renewable Energy here: Join the Quiet Revolution and here: MyNMB.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.