"Electric Road Trip Exposes Shocking Truth: Charging Infrastructure Still a Massive Problem in South Africa"
In a bold move, a group of adventurers embarked on a 2,225km electric road trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town, but their journey was marred by the harsh reality of South Africa’s woeful charging infrastructure.
The four-day trip, which aimed to showcase the capabilities of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country, was a grueling test of endurance for those involved. The group of eight, including industry experts and corporate representatives, faced numerous challenges as they navigated the country’s patchy charging network.
Despite the obstacles, all five EVs involved in the trip – including the BMW iX, BYD Seal, Mercedes-Benz EQS, Volkswagen ID.4, and Volvo XC40 – completed the arduous journey. However, the experience highlighted the stark contrast between the growth of the EV market and the country’s lagging charging infrastructure.
"It was a baptism by fire," said Hiten Parmar, executive director of The Electric Mission. "We faced multiple challenges, from arriving at charge points with multiple cars simultaneously to dealing with the limited availability of fast-charging points. It’s a significant issue that needs to be addressed urgently."
The group’s experience echoes a common concern in the industry, with range anxiety and charger availability cited as major drawbacks of owning an EV in South Africa. According to a recent report, inadequate charging infrastructure is a major obstacle to the adoption of electric vehicles in the country.
As the industry continues to push for a shift towards new energy vehicles, the government must take swift action to address the charging infrastructure gap. With the country’s automotive industry playing a critical role in economic growth and job creation, it’s essential that policymakers prioritize the development of a comprehensive charging network.
As South Africa celebrates National Transport Month, it’s crucial that the country moves towards a more sustainable, electric future. But, as our journey revealed, the clock is ticking – the country’s charging infrastructure needs to be overhauled, and fast.
