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Watch as Iain Banner, Chairman of the e-Movement shares his unique insights into Africa’s green mobility future from the studio at Africa’s Green Economy Summit.
Banner also sheds some light on the importance of the recently launched Go Green Africa initiative.
Find out more about the e-Movement.
Written by: Theresa Smith
When speaking about urban sustainability and the green economy, one cannot hide from the fact that Africa’s urban population more than doubled between 2000 and 2020 and is expected to double again between 2020 and 2050.
Speaking at Africa’s Green Economic Summit (AGES), Hastings Chikoko, regional director for Africa of the C40 Climate Leadership Group, SA said: “It can be either an opportunity, or a crash, depending on what we do in our cities.
“If we don’t do the right things, this urbanisation could just mean a multiplication of poverty and inequality and an increase in the informality of cities. But, I we do the right things, urbanisation plus the youth bulge plus technology will offer opportunities for Africa to achieve a green economy,” said Chikoko.
He believes it is time to recognise that the narrative around Africa is changing. The continent has some of the world’s fastest growing economies, vast natural resources, a demographic typified by a youth bulge, expanding urbanisation and many more opportunities than challenges.
“[However] We cannot talk about Africa right now, without talking about energy access and the energy transition on this continent. We have the statistics around potential, but at the same time we have challenges in this sector, in the region. So, the question is, how is energy distribution laying the groundwork for sustainable cities, for energy access and the transition and the green economy in Africa?” he asked.
At AGES Chikoko asked a panel of city officials from across Africa to explain what each of their regions is doing to rethink urbanisation and the green economy.
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Ole Stubdrup, project manager with the AfDB’s Urban and Municipal Development Fund Secretariat said the African Development Bank created the fund to address the issue of urban sustainability.
“It’s clear to us that cities are the drivers for growth, livelihoods, and jobs. We can support through the Fund, the visions of the cities, turning strategy into investment,” said Stubdrup.
The Fund provides technical assistance and support and helps to prepare solid pipelines. It also helps to establish what the cities must do to fulfil their visions. “People are migrating to cities and we are challenged by the lack of services,” said Stubdrup.
The Fund helps cities/municipalities to prepare urban development projects and get them ready for public and private financing from local and international sources.
Green #mobility isn’t just about connecting people goods and institutions but also connecting ideas. This was the assertion of Yasir Ahmed during Africa's Green Economy Summit. https://t.co/mq9LJNH7TM @GreenEcoSummit pic.twitter.com/kPVWAwzNj3
— ESI Africa (@ESIAfrica) March 2, 2023
Thami Manyathi, head of eThekwini Transport Authority, eThekwini Municipality said, going forward, transformation in cities will be about more than just infrastructure development as “more work needs to be done in transforming how operations actually work in cities.”
“In cities and metros, there’s good experience in terms of financing infrastructure projects, but there’s less experience on how to finance the rolling stock. Now, with e-mobility, there’ll be a new question around how to finance the charging infrastructure,” said Manyathi.
He questioned how the just energy transition will influence e-mobility, and especially change the ways financial institutions look at the minibus taxi industry in South Africa.
“At the end of the day, for the city to transform, we cannot leave the minibus taxis behind. Even if, traditionally, this country, it’s a difficult sector to finance,” said Manyathi.
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He reminded that owners of minibus taxis in South Africa often face up to three times the bank charges and interest regular citizens have to pay. “Cities need to create a new way for how they play their role in reducing the risks to the sector so that financial institutions would be comfortable with extending lending at an affordable rate to the minibus taxi industry. Else, the just energy transition will be but a dream and not translate beyond wishful thinking,” warned Manyathi.
Costs associated with the deployment of new technologies requires a change or rules and regulations, according to Manyathi, who thinks financial institutions will have to be the leaders in this regard going forward. “Charging infrastructure and rolling stock is where the work needs to be done,” he explained.
Mary Haw of the City of Cape Town’s Renewable Energy & Efficiency: Sustainable Energy Markets department, said from the city’s perspective, energy is the crucial link that will make sustainable cities a reality. “E-mobility and the energy interface is interesting. It’s not just about individual vehicles, but grid access and empowering people to make better decisions around energy and transport.
“As cities, we’re often on the backfoot when it comes to trust. A lot of customers and citizens distrust all levels of government. Those of us in municipalities have to work to gain that trust. A priority programme for us is energy security of economic development. It’s about keeping jobs, making jobs. Having energy for industry to have a vibrant economy is the most important way to include everyone and create a space where they can be economically active,” explained Haw.
The City of Cape Town is placing a premium on creating programmes that will alleviate loadshedding and also address energy access.
Mass urbanisation does create energy poverty because people simply cannot afford electricity, and “there is a gender inequality to energy poverty. So, hopefully through strategy and work around alleviating energy poverty, we can address systemic inequality,” said Haw.
The city is also actively driving the concept of net-zero carbon buildings. “The built environment is where most of energy is being used, so how do we build low-carbon developments and drive efficient energy use?” she asked.
Haw believes collaboration is very important: “We can show leadership, but it cannot be done without customer engagement.”
Of reference
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Jacob Byamukama, acting Director of Engineering & Technical Services, Kampala Capital City Authority, Uganda reiterated Haw’s emphasis on collaboration, but said policy development is just as important.
“You have to have a policy in place that allows you to use the energy you have. The other thing is to make sure you have the capability to attract finance,” said Byamukama.
He said partnerships are necessary too. While their forays into electrifying their public transport system are being led by the private sector to a certain extent, the Ministry responsible for transport still has to step in to regulate things like transport routes.
Byamukama said they cannot wait however for regulation to show the way. “The technology is moving fast. We have to work together, start implementing and correct mistakes as we go along. We have to ensure an infrastructure that is fair for everyone to use,” he said.
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Tshepo Kgobe, COO, Gautrain Management Agency said they followed that same principle when they created the Gautrain almost 15 years ago. At the time South Africa did not have any urban sustainability policies or strategies, so the Agency created its own one. “When you talk sustainable urban mobility, everyone thinks about the vehicles. But, everyone leaves out the stations – the buildings. Can you build off-grid? Can you use the real estate to produce your own solar power?
“The biggest challenge is everyone is waiting for government to create the strategy. We don’t work like that. We drive the policy. When you’re at the cutting edge of technology, you have to always reinvest in yourself. What do you become next?
“One has to drive policy, instead of wait for policy to be developed. It’s an important mindshift,” explained Kgobe. ESI
All things electric today at the @efestelectric #EFestElectric @capetowneprix #FormulaE pic.twitter.com/2jO5CI8fvt
— Majosi (@Mashele333) February 25, 2023
Written by: Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl
The green economy has the mesmerising appeal of a crystal, with many angles reflecting different colours as it turns. For Africa, this green economy ‘crystal’ is still in the making; however, it is already showing off a brilliant display of opportunities.
This display was evident during last week’s festivities into the green economy held in Cape Town, South Africa, which included a business summit, Cape Town’s first E-Prix, and the launch of the next Electric Vehicle Road Trip.
Much was discussed and pondered, concluding that a green economy is there for the taking. Here are a few choice quotes from Africa’s Green Economy Summit, held ahead of the E-Prix, on 22-23 February, that got me thinking about how this budding economy will shape new endeavours.
When Dr Amani Abou-Zeid, the African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, spoke of the faulty generalisation of Africa being a risky investment destination, she had my full attention.
Did you know that of the 32 African countries rated, 18 had their credit ratings downgraded since the COVID-19 pandemic started? The significance of this number is more about it being greater than that of European countries. And noting that EU countries have faced similar and more drastic economic challenges.
As such, Abou-Zeid pointed out that Africa’s confidence in rating agencies is waning. “The current approach is to leave out elements that contribute to the poor credit rating, making investors shy away from Africa and making things even harder,” she added.
Sadly, the continent’s default rate is amongst the world’s lowest, backed by Moody’s Analytics which found that Africa’s default rate on infrastructure loans is 1.9%. “Other studies by rating agencies have come to similar conclusions,” said Abou-Zeid.
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But investor confidence should look at another (probably more relevant) statistic – research into foreign direct investment shows that those investing in Africa earned the highest rate of return compared to other continents “at 11% versus the 9% in Latin America and Asia, and the global average of 7%,” shared Abou-Zeid.
Sadly, the impact of a low credit rating leads to higher interest and insurance rates for infrastructure projects, creating higher unnecessary costs that Africa can ill-afford.
But how do we capture the opportunities when Africa struggles to escape from being branded a risky, corrupt business environment?
Since the numbers show a whopping return on investment compared to other regions, do you heed the ratings agencies’ warnings or follow the ROI numbers? In my view, with so much potential in Africa’s green economy unfolding, investors must review real versus perceived (and sometimes stereotyped) risks to make informed decisions.
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Unlike the development of the traditional electricity, power and energy market, the green economy in Africa will be about co-creating.
Budding green initiatives will be driven by public-private partnerships, city initiatives and commercial, industrial and residential projects. All of which will flourish as government sets forth enabling policies.
However, the keyword is inclusivity.
As John Roome, Regional Director for South Asia Sustainable Development at the World Bank, pointed out: “It’s not a simple task to move forward and bring change to this agenda, so we need to bring together communities to make these systemic changes… Inclusive development is needed. We need to get the basics right.”
And this is well on the way, as indicated by Hastings Chikoko, Director of Regions & Mayoral Engagement & Regional Director for Africa at C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, who said: “Cities are rethinking the role of urbanism in shaping a green economy in Africa, re-imagining sustainability, climate resilience, digitalisation and innovation.”
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However, Arvana Singh, Head of Sustainable Finance Solutions at Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking, advised that incentives are needed. These are necessary to incentivise residential and property developers to build green amidst a very constrained environment that is very cost sensitive.
Surely this is one of those low-hanging fruit opportunities for any country to implement?
Singh added that a truly green economy isn’t just about removing fossil fuels from the energy mix. “It’s an entirely new economic model that values sustainability and social responsibility.”
With such colourful quotes delivered at Africa’s Green Economy Summit, you probably wonder what’s next.
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As the green economy in Africa is well on its way, the conversation turns to where to find the tenders and requests for proposals and the need for standardisation. Join us at the next event, where stakeholders will gather to talk about the green economy and market in general.
In Cape Town for Africa’s Green Economic Summit, William Dachs, Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) CEO, reminded that the public transport agency’s current concession with Bombela ends in March 2026.
“Then the assets are fully paid off and ready for use in a new concession-type arrangement,” said Dachs, pointing out this would then be the perfect opportunity to reinvest in the system and grow it even further. The Agency has completed National Treasury Feasibility Studies and is ready to launch the procurement post-2026 project in April. They will host a formal market engagement in Johannesburg in the last week of March.
Enumerating the Agency’s many successes since opening its doors 13 years ago, Dachs indicated that the GMA are the only A-grade public infrastructure in South Africa, with an asset value of R45 billion connecting Gauteng’s three metros and the largest PPP in the country.
It is the only rail system in SA to adopt world standards in electronic ticket systems, which accept any form of payment for travel on trains and buses. The GMA is the only public transport system with formal contracts with minibus taxi associations and makes a quantifiable impact of R2.60 for every rand invested. Over R6 billion was spent on local goods and services in the last years – R5bn through black-owned businesses and SMMEs.
The real challenge lies outside these doors, on the N1 a few hundred metres away, and the N2 a few kilometres away, and on countless urban roads in South Africa and in Africa.
Explaining his other reasons for attending Africa’s Green Economic Summit (AGES), Dachs started off by talking about South Africa’s energy situation.
“There is a growing realisation that solutions to the current electricity supply crisis lie as much in small, scalable solutions at municipal and provincial levels as they do at Megawatt park [Eskom’s head office],” said Dachs.
Referencing Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s recent announcement to allocate R1,2 billion to boost energy supply in the province of Gauteng, Dachs pointed out that part of this would be used to put solar panels on the rooftops of government buildings, including Gautrain stations, for solar generation.
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Part of that money would also be used to create larger-scale renewable energy generators in the province. “I see the same restlessness and the same approach towards self-reliance here in Cape Town with moves towards smaller scale IPPs and even domestic feed-in rates.
“If solving the energy crisis means combining increased self-reliance in generation with renewable sources and financing that off the public balance sheets, then achieving national green energy commitments suddenly becomes more believable,” said Dachs.
He said his second reason for attending AGES is transport-related. He was pleased by discussion topics such as mobility for social inclusion and economic opportunity, urban sustainability, and smart cities. However, Dachs was worried that people would be too caught up in discussions on making cars and trucks more carbon-efficient and using technology better and smarter in our cities.
“The real challenge lies outside these doors, on the N1 a few hundred metres away, and the N2 a few kilometres away, and on countless urban roads in South Africa and in Africa.”
Dachs thinks the true challenge is the “massive and regressive” move away from rail-based passenger transport to road-based modes of transport such as private cars and minibus taxis. “Add in another long-term shift of freight from road to rail, and we have the perfect storm of growing urbanisation, increasing road usage, congestion and carbon emissions.”
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To give some sense of perspective on the problem, while Gauteng road traffic volumes consistently grow at around 7% per annum, the national rail network has shed around 500 million annual rail passenger trips per annum in South Africa over the last 10 years… they shifted mode into a highly unregulated and inefficient road-based transport.”
Dachs said he was not arguing against a shift towards electric vehicles or hydrogen-based fuels which he sees as a necessity, but a “failure to grow and develop our urban guided transit systems.”
“We have a great National Rail Policy, what we need is action, and part of that action is accelerated planning of and investment in urban rail systems. If the provinces and cities of this country are now having to face up to and help tackle the national problem of electricity supply, why on earth will we not have to do exactly the same in the rail sector?
“Issues like better urban planning, sensible ways of getting private sector participation into transport have got to be on the agenda,” said Dachs.
Africa’s Green Economy Summit continues today (Thursday, 23 February) at the Century City Conference Centre. It is co-located with E-Fest, which hosts Africa’s first E-Prix on Saturday, 25 February.
Written by: Nasi Hako
Is Africa going to miss the industrial development opportunity to cultivate a battery energy storage hub? This was a question posed by TP Nchocho, CEO of the Industrial Development Corporation, during a Mining Indaba session on the path to zero-emissions mining through battery electric vehicles.
On the first day of the Investing in Africa Mining Indaba, hosted at the CTICC in Cape Town, three panellists sat down to expand on the future of zero-emissions mining for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Africa and the role of critical minerals in the path to a just energy transition.
Nchocho began by highlighting the massive opportunity for industrialisation that sits before Africa as the world moves towards a greener, circular economy. Roland Chavasse, the Secretary General of the International Lithium Association, echoed this sentiment, saying that “Africa, and indeed the world, is bursting with lithium resources” and that the time has come to capitalise on what is a “once-in-a-lifetime pivot” toward zero emissions development.
Given that Africa has vast lithium resources and the demand for battery electric vehicles is growing, panellists agreed that African political and economic leaders need to collaborate to create a Lithium hub in Africa on an integrated basis.
Chavasse expressed that he believes in cooperation, collaboration and conversation as essential driving factors in doing so. Chavasse even suggested that Africa look to Australia for inspiration, as the country exports half of the world’s lithium resources to China, but is now looking at ways to manufacture the minerals locally and cultivate jobs while decreasing export expenses and carbon emissions.
Echoing this sentiment, Nchocho said that Africa should optimise local businesses in its supply chain and partly credited the underdevelopment of African countries to a lack of local value addition in African supply chains. He said that African countries such as South Africa need to shift their mentality and pursue progressive development through large-scale industrialisation in an equitable way.
The discussion also reflected on the importance of making mining for green minerals a green process so as to cultivate a lithium future that is circular and sustainable. Panellists agreed this could be done by creating a thorough plan on how to decarbonise the mining process, from mining minerals to recycling batteries.
For this to be achieved, David Sturmes, the Director of Corporate Engagement and Strategic partnerships for the Fair Cobalt Alliance, said that access to finance will be pivotal and that investment and consistent government intervention could help Africa unlock a local supply chain.
Reflecting on past mistakes, the panellists agreed that the just energy transition should prioritise the just element of the transition and genuinely and equitably invest in citizens’ quality of life across the board.
Written by: Theresa Smith
The AfDB’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) will provide a $1 million technical assistance grant to the Green Mobility Facility for Africa.
The Green Mobility Facility for Africa (GMFA) provides technical assistance and investment capital to accelerate and expand private sector investment into sustainable transport solutions. It works in seven countries: Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone and South Africa.
SEFA is a multi-donor Special Fund that provides catalytic finance to unlock private sector investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Fund’s overarching goal is to contribute to universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy services for all in Africa, in line with the New Deal on Energy for Africa and Sustainable Development Goal 7.
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his particular grant to the GMFA will help to create an enabling environment for electric vehicles (EVs); regional coordination; the design of EV business models and guidelines for public and private sector; the development of a bankable pipeline of e-mobility projects; and knowledge sharing among upstream activities to help catalyse follow-on private sector financing during the subsequent investment phase of the GMFA.
Nnenna Nwabufo the AfDB Director-General for the East Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office pointed out that mobility is a fundamental lifeline that connects people to critical services, jobs, education and opportunities. “The African Development Bank is committed to building a sustainable and more climate-resilient future by catalysing private investment in low-carbon solutions. We believe GMFA will have a tremendous impact on the African market by accelerating the shift to green mobility, reducing over 2,175,000 carbon dioxide equivalent tons of greenhouse gas emissions and facilitating the creation of 19,000 full-time jobs.”
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Clare Akamanzi, Rwanda Development Board CEO said they expect future demand for mobility solutions and vehicle ownership will increase with rapid urbanisation, population growth and economic development.
“We see this as a vote of confidence in our efforts to shift to e-mobility solutions and advance Rwanda’s transition a low-carbon economy,” said Akamanzi.
Written by: Nasi Hako
African sustainable mobility startup eWAKA has received strategic support from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) Start-up Fund of the Swiss Confederation through a 500,000 Swiss Franc ($542,879.50) loan.
The loan will support eWAKA’s 2023 plans to accelerate a growth strategy focused on providing innovative and sustainable mobility technology in Africa through the local production and promotion of eWAKA’s signature electronic bike known as the Shujaa.
Given the transportation sector is the second highest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, the urban logistics sector in Africa and across the globe urgently needs to adopt new technologies and business models to fight climate change, which disproportionately affects African countries.
The effects are being felt in major economic value chains including Africa’s largest sector, agriculture. By adopting more cost-effective and environmentally-friendly vehicles into transportation fleets, the logistics sector can play a crucial role in helping Africa tackle climate challenges while providing significant economic benefits to a number of critical industry sector value chains.
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The growth strategy built on several pilot projects, including a Shujaa market introduction, will enable eWAKA to expand to other parts of Kenya and East Africa in 2023. A key element of eWAKA’s growth plans is to secure additional financing options for independent delivery drivers.
Commenting on eWAKA’s 2023 growth strategy, Celeste Vogel, Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer & General Counsel of eWAKA said: “As understanding localised constraints and variables are key to successfully deploying micro-mobility models and solutions, eWAKA conducted several pilot projects with target customer segments.”
Susanne Grossmann, the manager of SECO Start-up Fund commented: “We welcome the contribution to local production in the e-vehicle space and we hope that eWAKA will set a successful example for efficient, climate-friendly traffic systems in African cities that meet the mobility needs of the continent.”
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eWAKA Shujaa is designed specifically for deliveries. The bike has a front rack that can hold 15kg and a back rack that can take 50kg, with a total load capacity of 65kg. It comes standard with one battery and can be fitted with a second optional battery for a total range of up to 120km. The Shujaa is easy to start using, less expensive to access (no need for a driver’s license and easy to manipulate) and maintain while offering comparable utility.
The start-up’s kickscooters are built for sharing and are made of robust materials. On offer is product training, after-sales services for customers and smart mobility software to drive efficiency, insights and uptime of the vehicles. With eWAKA’s fleet management platform, live data is collected for fleet owners to improve remote management, vehicle tracking, service history and other safety controls.
eWAKA motorcycles are built for city and rural commutes as well as last-mile delivery. The vehicle, its battery-swapping ecosystem as well the retrofit kits for converting internal combustion engine motorcycles, are well-tested.
Nomvuyo Tena
Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has rolled out an electric vehicle (EV) project as part of their plans to lead Kenya’s shift from gasoline to EV.
East Africa’s leading energy producer, KenGen, has rolled out an elaborate plan to lead Kenya’s transition from gasoline-powered vehicles to EV as another way of combating climate change while solving transportation challenges in the country.
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To launch the project, KenGen unveiled its first four EVs in Nairobi in a move to support its diversification ambitions in the e-mobility sector. The four vehicles, which include two SUVs and two double-cabin pickups, will primarily be used for data collection and policy development as the company prepares to install more than 30 EV charging stations across the country in 2023.
The venture is part of the company’s environmental and economic sustainability plan to reduce global GreenHouse Gas (GHG) emissions by inspiring confidence for wider EV adoption across the country. The utility will use the cost and environmental data from the four EVs to transition its fleet to EVs, further demonstrating KenGen’s role in elevating its position on attracting investment funds financing green initiatives.
Speaking during the launch, KenGen Acting Managing Director and CEO Abraham Serem noted that the pilot EV units would give them a comprehensive analysis of the feasibility of e-vehicles transition while also providing insights on initial technology choices for electric charging infrastructure in the country.
“I am glad to announce that in the next one year, we plan to roll out about 30 EV charging stations in major cities across the country. The four acquired EVs we are launching today will give the company first-hand experience and data on electric vehicles,” he said, adding that this is an endeavor they seek to conduct collectively with other stakeholders.
“The development of e-mobility is an area that will require a multi-sectoral approach. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and working together with key partners, we have no doubt that this transition will pick up pace faster than envisaged,” said Serem.
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He added that the rollout will be used to develop a blueprint for the conversion of the company’s fleet from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) to electric vehicles as well as advise broader strategies on similar trends in the market by other players. This will also enable the company to save on fuel and maintenance costs, thus creating value for shareholders.
“The EV revolution is here with us. Countries around the world are racing to phase out gasoline and petrol cars. France, England, Norway, India, China, USA, and the Netherlands are leading with either a goal to stop the sale of internal combustion engines by 2050 or have significant EV sales,” said Serem.
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In the long run, the adoption of EVs will drive up power demand and is also envisioned as a way to boost the utility’s revenues by way of selling more electricity to power transportation.
Already, KenGen said it has two EV charging stations in Nairobi and Naivasha and plans to install an additional three by end of 2023 in Murang’a, Embu, and Kisumu Counties within the company’s power plants. These particular charging stations are not open to the public as they are being utilised for internal piloting and data collection before the commencement of commercial rollout.
![Shoprite CEO Pieter Engelbrecht with Erik Bergvall MD of Scania Southern Africa 2[14620] (1)](https://smartermobility-africa.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Shoprite-CEO-Pieter-Engelbrecht-with-Erik-Bergvall-MD-of-Scania-Southern-Africa-214620-1-1160x665.jpg "Shoprite CEO Pieter Engelbrecht with Erik Bergvall MD of Scania Southern Africa 2[14620] (1)")
A South African retailer has officially become the first among South African retailers to pilot a heavy-duty electric truck as part of its fleet.
The vehicle, a Scania Battery Electric Vehicle, is 100% electric and therefore has no reliance on fossil fuels and emits no carbon dioxide. The refrigerated truck can hold approximately 16 pallets, has nine batteries, solar panels fitted to its roof and a fully electric cooling system which is also powered by the battery packs of the vehicle.
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With a range in the region of 350km, the vehicle will be used for local deliveries and will be recharged using renewable energy generated by the Group’s existing solar installations.
“The acquisition of this, one of the world’s most advanced electric trucks, which we will charge using our existing renewable energy infrastructure, is another major move in this direction,” said Andrew Havinga, Chief Supply Chain Officer for the Group.
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In another first, the truck’s special “glow in the dark” signage will make it more visible when travelling at night. When exposed to bright (day) light, the signage can absorb and store particles. This stored energy is again emitted when it is dark, resulting in a glow.
The addition of the new electric truck forms part of the Group’s ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its supply chain. It recently acquired over 100 of the most fuel-efficient Euro 5 compliant trucks in Southern Africa and more than 900 of its trailers are fitted with solar panels which enable the refrigeration and tailgate lift to continue to run on solar power even when the truck is switched off.
