SOUTH AFRICA. South African utility pilots EV charging infrastructure

South African electricity supplier Eskom has launched an EV pilot at the Eskom Academy of Learning (EAL) in the town of Midrand, Gauteng Province.

The pilot project includes the procurement of 20 vehicles ranging from light delivery vehicles to light trucks for operational use. The company will install 10 charging stations in partnership with South African charging point manufacturer Gridcars at five Eskom sites across the country. These will serve as the foundation for Eskom Distribution’s strategy to electrify its entire fleet by 2040.

The newly installed charging stations are 60 kW DC fast chargers and 22 kW dual AC chargers, optimally sized to cater for overnight charging of fleet vehicles and daytime workplace charging for employees and visitors.

“By investing in e-mobility 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,” said Gabriel Kgabo, General Manager in the Office of the Eskom Group Executive for Distribution.

Kgabo highlighted Eskom’s support of government plans to align South Africa with the global EV market. Key initiatives include an EV White Paper released by the Department of Trade Industry and Competition (DTIC) in December 2023 and incentives announced by the National Treasury to encourage local EV production from 2026.