South Africa is gearing up for an exciting electric vehicle (EV) future as Toyota and Volkswagen plan to launch locally assembled EVs in 2026. Thanks to government incentives and local manufacturing, these cars will be more affordable and easier to own than ever before. This shift means cleaner air, new jobs, and a fresh start for the country’s car industry. Though challenges like power supply and charging stations remain, South Africans are ready to embrace this new, greener way to drive.
Cape Town is taking impressive steps towards embracing green transportation, with a focus on the MyCiTi programme and incorporating 30 electric buses in Phase 2A. The city has allocated R668 million to MyCiTi buses in the next three years and plans to electrify its entire vehicle fleet, including waste collection trucks, light delivery vehicles, sedans, and hatchbacks. This approach is part of a broader goal to convert the entire vehicle fleet to electric power and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The city’s initial step towards electrification was a successful pilot project involving five fully electric BMW i3s for the Traffic Services Department.
The Ford SuperVan 4.2 made history at the Bathurst 500 in Australia, setting new lap records for the fastest closedwheel, electric, and commercial vehicle categories. Driven by Romain Dumas, the vehicle achieved an impressive time of 1:56.3247 while hitting top speeds of over 300 km/h and delivering an astonishing 2,000 horsepower. This achievement highlights the advancements in electric vehicle technology and represents a bright future for sustainable racing. The SuperVan is more than a speedy vehicle; it symbolizes the advancements in electric vehicle technology, serving as a bright beacon on the path to a sustainable racing industry.
Cape Town is investing R8.5 billion to transition their MyCiti bus system to completely electric, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions in the metro southeast regions. This is part of the city’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection, along with supporting the Flex EV initiative in electrifying the taxi industry and national government investment allowances for EV production. Cape Town’s visionary approach to ecofriendly transportation is leading the way for cities worldwide and shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future.
The Tesla Cybertruck is a futuristic electric pickup truck that is more formidable than bullets and faster than a Porsche. Its unique design features large, flat, unbent stainless steel plates, making it both fascinating and controversial. Despite concerns about its viability and mass appeal, Elon Musk’s pet project has solidified Tesla’s position as a groundbreaking entity in the electric vehicle market and is expected to hit production levels of 250,000 a year by 2025. The Cybertruck represents a daring leap into the future of automotive design and a demonstration of the relentless chase of innovation in the highrisk game of electric vehicle production.
Get ready for an electrifying weekend of motorsports in Cape Town as the FIA World Rallycross Championship takes over the Killarney International Raceway on October 7th8th. This year, the championship introduces a new twist with fully electric vehicles taking to the track, showcasing the potential for sustainable and ecofriendly racing. The event promises to be fun for the whole family, with autograph signings, drift demonstrations, and stunt shows, set against the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain in one of South Africa’s most vibrant cities.
As the world intensifies its efforts to reduce carbon emissions, South Africa is in a unique position to cultivate new industries and expand existing ones. The nation’s shift towards a lowcarbon, climateresilient economy prioritizes a just and inclusive process, evident in the development of the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan. This plan aims to support workers, communities, and industries affected by the transition towards renewable energy sources while also encouraging investment in new sectors such as green hydrogen and electric vehicles.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed (FOS) attracts the world’s leading automakers who converge to showcase their latest innovations and celebrate milestones in the automotive industry. Held at the iconic Goodwood House in West Sussex, United Kingdom, the 30th edition of the event served as a testament to the enduring appeal of the festival.
The City Blitz, offered by the newlyformed EV.Africa in partnership with Combined Motor Holdings (CMH), aims to make green transportation a reality for the budgetconscious. Originating from China, the City Blitz is available in four body styles designed exclusively for urban or intercity use. Launched last week, it has already garnered attention as South Africa’s most affordable EV and will be distributed through eleven dealerships nationwide.
