Southern Africa Archives - Smarter Mobility Africa

25 May 2023

A need for a just energy transition with e-mobility

Anazi Zote Africa, News, Non classé, Smart Mobility, Southern Africa BYD, Climate change, e-mobility, energy access, government incentives, Just Energy Transition, renewable energy, Smarter Mobility Africa, tesla 1

#e-mobility

#equality

#smartermobilityafrica

#energytransition

“This is an industry that is highly industrialised and it's our crown jewel and we stand the chance of losing that if we do not transition in time for 2030"

Victor Radebe

Co-Founder, Mobility Centre for Africa

The need for a just and sustainable energy transition has become increasingly evident as the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and social inequality.

E-mobility, the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and associated charging infrastructure, holds immense potential to drive a just energy transition. By integrating e-mobility with social and environmental considerations, we can create a more equitable and sustainable future.

Have you read?
Nigeria Wants To Boost Production Of Electric Vehicles Under New Plan

This was the conversation at the annual Enlit Africa conference hosted in Cape Town at the Cape Town Conventional Centre (CTICC). Enlit Africa brings together the entire value chain in sectors such as power, energy, mining and water but now also mobility. “A just energy transition through e-mobility” was a panel that took place Wednesday 17 May in the Strategic Stage.

Have you read?
BYD Continues To Wow Audiences Across The World, South Africa Soon?

The panel of speakers included the following experts:

Marco Rahner, Sales Director: Smart Infrastructure, Siemens
Victor Radebe, Co-Founder, Mobility Centre for Africa (MCA)
Bongani Mthombeni-Möller, Director: Smart Mobility, Royal HaskoningDHV
Vuyisile Majola, Director, Mobility Centre for Africa (MCA)

The growth of renewable energy in Africa is expected to support the development of e-mobility, as electric vehicles are powered by clean energy sources such as solar and wind power. And vice versa, the use of e-mobility also contributes to the decentralisation of energy systems in Africa, as EVs serve as mobile storage devices that help balance the grid and provide power during blackouts or emergencies.

The panel answered burning questions that brought focus to these key points:

Challenges and opportunities for e-mobility adoption
New school versus old school
Access and affordability
The roadmap to achieving successful e-mobility adoption in Africa
The way forward to achieving a just energy transition with e-mobility

Opportunities lie ahead

The key challenge for e-mobility is still cost in many parts of Africa, however some government and private sector stakeholders are tackling this through changing in taxation and incentives. Asides from the cost and incentive issue, there also lies opportunities that build a strong case for e-mobility adoption.

Have you read?
Kenya: More Electric Buses For Nairobi’s Public Transport Fleet

A just energy transition through e-mobility fosters economic opportunities for all. Investing in the production, deployment, and maintenance of EVs and charging infrastructure can create jobs and stimulate economic growth. These opportunities can further be enhanced by prioritising local manufacturing, job training programs, and small and medium-sized enterprises, ensuring that the economic benefits are inclusive and reach disadvantaged communities.

Marco Rahner, the Sales Director: Smart Infrastructure at Siemens highlighted the opportunity for rural areas to provide fast charging hubs for e-cars.

“We must move over towards the renewable energy generation to charge e-cars especially in rural areas where cars travel long distances. If you only have 10 kilometres left of charge in the middle of nowhere, to find a house which has home charging is difficult. But even in gas stations or petrol stations in the middle of nowhere to get an overhead line there…they don’t have the capacity to charge cars certainly not fast charging,” said Rahner.

ENLIT AFRICA CONFERENCE

We are engaging with delegates at the Enlit Africa Conference following the tabling of the #DMREBudgetVote2023. We remain committed to attaining universal access to electricity. #EnlitAfrica pic.twitter.com/lMWAXsuUkt
— Gwede Mantashe (@GwedeMantashe1) May 17, 2023

⚡ 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖 ⚡

Watch our interview with Chris O'Connor, CEO of Drive Electric. Drive Electric offers luxury electric car hire and provides a premium experience to individual and corporate customers. pic.twitter.com/ukIDcBCSVC
— Enlit Africa (@EnlitAfrica) May 18, 2023

New school versus old school

According to the EU European Green Deal, the sale of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Vehicles emitting 55% less CO2 will be banned in 2030 with a complete ban of ICE vehicles emitting CO2 by 2035. Norway has in fact set their target for 2025. Over 70% of South Africa’s vehicle exports are to EU member states. New energy vehicles (NEVs) will soon be the order of the day however, there are some traditional automakers who are lagging behind.

Have you read?
5 Key Trends That Will Transform Mobility In Africa

According to Victor Radebe, Co-Founder, Mobility Centre for Africa (MCA) Tesla and BYD lead the global EV sales, whereas legacy OEMs particularly in South Africa, some of which have been in operation for over 100 years, have done little to respond to the innovation presented by these disruptors.

“We build 1% of the global output of cars in the world, which in a way I would say, means we are punching above our weight. This is an industry that is highly industrialised and it’s our crown jewel and we stand the chance of losing that if we do not transition in time for 2030,” said Radebe.

Access and affordability

One of the risk implications facing e-mobility adoption is lack of access and exclusion. It is crucial to ensure access to e-mobility for all segments of society. Efforts need be made to address the affordability gap for electric vehicles.

This can be achieved through financial incentives, grants, and subsidies for low-income individuals and communities. Also engaging the informal sector and guiding them through the transition will ensure no one is excluded.

Have you read?
Kenya: E-Mobility Tariff To Make It Cheaper To Drive An Electric Vehicle

Additionally, expanding public charging infrastructure and promoting innovative solutions like shared electric mobility can improve accessibility and affordability, particularly in underserved areas.

Vuyisile Majola, Director of Mobility Centre for Africa mentioned the risk of excluding the informal transport sector from the just transition towards e-mobility, where in a country like South Africa loadshedding and power cuts are the norm.

“So definitely the risk would be convincing the informal transport providers to move to energy efficient mobility. Telling them it would both be affordable and as efficient as the transport services that they currently provide,” said Majola.

How do we achieve a just energy transition with e-mobility?

Integrating e-mobility with renewable energy sources is essential for a just energy transition. By coupling EV charging infrastructure with renewable energy generation and storage, we can create synergies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable energy systems.

Encouraging the development of solar-powered charging stations and promoting smart charging solutions can facilitate the integration of e-mobility with renewable energy, making the transition more sustainable and just.

Have you read?
South Africa Must Manufacture Electric Vehicles For Market Access

Another main contributor to achieving this just transition with e-mobility is involving local communities in decision-making processes, including them in the planning and implementation of charging infrastructure. Engaging communities ensures that their voices are heard, their concerns are addressed, and benefits are shared equitably.

Bongani Mthombeni-Möller, Director: Smart Mobility at the Royal HaskoningDHV provided emphasis on the point of intention behind justifying an equitable transition toward e-mobility and renewable energy.

“I think we have made it very clear that for the transition to be just it needs to address inequality, it needs to address unemployment. It needs to address how people with disabilities move. Equality across the board with a specific focus on making sure that women are included across the whole value chain and that on a safety perspective, everything that’s been going on in the country, women are high up on our radar,” said Mthombeni.

What’s the way forward?

A just energy transition through e-mobility is critical for combating climate change and addressing social inequalities. It is vital for future job creation which drive real value to local people as well as the overall economy. By prioritising this we can create a sustainable and equitable mobility ecosystem.

Have you read?
Global Electric Vehicle Sales Close To One In Five Sold

“E-mobility is coming with or without the policies because the industry is going in that direction. Whether we’re going to make the vehicles in South Africa or not. The days of VROOM VROOM are coming to an end,” said Radebe.

A just energy transition with e-mobility will require collaboration between governments, businesses, communities, and civil society to ensure that the benefits of e-mobility are shared by all. Through a comprehensive and inclusive approach, we can pave the way for a future where clean and accessible mobility contributes to a just and sustainable society.

Join us at Smarter Mobility Africa summit on 3-4 October 2023, and explore the global mobility transition through an African lens.

PRE-REGISTER for attendance

7 May 2023

South Africa must manufacture electric vehicles for market access

ESI Africa Business and markets, Energy Efficiency, Finance and Policy, News, Reports, Research and Development, Smart Mobility, Southern Africa Africa, Electric Vehicles, European Union, EVs, GreenCape, Paris Agreement, Smarter Mobility Africa, South Africa, sustainable energy, Transport

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17 March 2023

National Rail Policy still on the horizon for SA

Anazi Zote Africa, Asset Maintenance, News, Smart Mobility, Southern Africa Climate change, economic outlook, GDP, Loadshedding, Logistics, rail, Smarter Mobility Africa, South Africa, Transnet

6 March 2023

Rethinking urban sustainability with a green economy in mind

ESI Africa Africa, Energy Efficiency, Finance and Policy, News, Smart Mobility, Southern Africa AFDB, Africa, Africa's Green Economy Summit, C40 Cities, eThekwini Municipality, green economy, infrastructure development, mobility, Smart Cities, Smarter Mobility Africa, sustainability, urbanisation

2 March 2023

Eskom moving into e-mobility through microgrids and energy storage

ESI Africa Africa, Battery Energy Storage, Business and markets, Energy Storage, Future Energy, Hydropower, News, Research and Development, Smart Mobility, Solar, Southern Africa, Wind Africa's Green Economy Summit, decarbonisation, decentralisation, democratisation, Digitalisation, eMobility, Eskom, Smarter Mobility Africa, South Africa

27 February 2023

Ready, set, go: Green economy revving to go in Africa

ESI Africa Africa, Battery Energy Storage, Features/Analysis, Finance and Policy, Future Energy, Non classé, Renewable energy, Smart Mobility, Smart Technologies, Southern Africa

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.

Invest or heed the warnings

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.

Rating agencies versus ROI

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.

Of interest to you:
Fitch revises South Africa’s outlook to negative and affirms IDR at ‘BB+’
Moody’s moving in on local credit rating company is bad news for Africa

Stakeholders in the green economy in Africa

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.”

Incentivising nations

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.

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.

electric vehicles green mobility smart mobility zero emissions vehicle electric car

25 February 2023

evrt Africa sets date for next e-mobility road trip

ESI Africa Africa, Battery Energy Storage, Customer Services, Energy Efficiency, Energy Storage, Event News, News, Reports, Research and Development, Smart Mobility, Smart Technologies, Southern Africa Africa's Green Economy Summit, Clean Technology, e-mobility, Electric Vehicles, EV charging, EVs, green economy, smart technologies, Smarter Mobility Africa, South Africa

Written by: Theresa Smith

The next evrt Africa road trip will take place from 15 to 24 February 2024, according to Smarter Mobility Africa (SMA) founder, Ben Pullen.

Making the announcement a day before the Formula E race in Cape Town, Pullen pointed out that the evrt Africa road trip also showcases electric vehicle products and technologies and amplifies the message of the benefits of going electric.

“The event plays a role in educating and awareness around clean energy and vehicles. It’s a real educator, very visual,” said Pullen.

Have you read?
Investment to accelerate adoption of green vehicles in emerging markets

evrt Africa first launched on this continent in 2019 with a 9-day road trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town. One of the first partners to sign up for the 2024 road trip, the Eastern Cape-based Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC), hinted they would like the EV road trip to spend more time in their region in 2024.

Thabo Shenxane, AIDC CEO, said the choice to get involved with evrt Africa was a no-brainer as the Eastern Cape knows it has to work with the other provinces to save the country’s automotive industry, which is based around Gqeberha. “If we can’t work together, the industry will collapse.

“We could use these types of events to extend our services. It is possible that by 2025 we could do a road trip linked to a tourism product with EVs. It’s possible.

“The commitment is for us to ensure that our province integrates with the rest of the country and the transition to EV. We’re mandated to do that as the AIDC,” said Shenxane.

evrt Africa to play role in clean energy education

Ricardo McKenzie, the new MEC for mobility in the Western Cape, said it is an exciting time to work in the mobility space.

He drew everyone’s attention to the fact that two EVs outside the launch venue were branded with Western Cape logos because they belonged to the province fleet.

“We are the first province to launch an EV strategy. We take this very seriously. Our depot in Maitland already has chargers. And on 1 April, we will launch more charging stations in the province,” said McKenzie.

He added: “We will work to drive e-mobility and the green economy because that is where the jobs are. We will work with our partners in the city on how we can continue to drive this.”

Iain Banner, Formula E Cape Town promoter and founder of Go Green Africa, emphasised that EVs and clean technology are good for business.

“You’re helping other people at the same time as you’re helping yourself. We want Formula E to be an annual celebration of sustainability. It’s the only sport in the world that is net zero. It shows you can perform at the highest level while bringing in the whole new world of clean energy,” said Banner.

Have you read?
E-Prix technology development to advance electric vehicles

Educating South Africa on clean energy and EV tech

Banner’s goal is to create a movement towards clean energy, “so we started with the E-Fest, which incorporates Africa’s Green Economic Summit. Then, there’s also Go Green Africa which will be the workshop. evrt Africa is the celebration of what you can do with EVs.

“Range anxiety is still a big issue. We have to sort out legislation so that we can import EVs at a better deal than internal combustion vehicles,” said Banner.

He explained that the torch travelling with the EVs at evrt Africa 2024 would represent green energy. “It is going to travel with the vehicles, and we’ll be stopping at Megawatt Park. We want Eskom to sign a declaration [as a Go Green Africa partner].”

“We will celebrate Go Green Africa at different points,” he explained.

Place for hybrid EVs in South Africa

Autotrader CEO George Mienie said they have been working with the SMA founder for the past four years, providing research on vehicle demand and supply to understand trends in consumer behaviour around EVs.

They recently published the Hybrid Car Buyers Survey 2022, which shows “a humongous increase in consumer demand for hybrid vehicles.”

The survey identifies that the consumer appetite for hybrids in South Africa is increasing. The use of hybrid as a search filter increased by 47% in 2022, compared to 2021. Hybrid consumer advert views were also up 44% year-on-year, while hybrid enquiries rose by 64%. New vehicle sales are also positive – hybrid vehicle sales in SA were up by 1,885% compared to the first eight months of 2021.

Still, there is a big need for education and awareness – the survey also showed that most South Africans are unaware of the various hybrid cars available. There is also a lack of understanding of the various hybrid car drive train configurations that exist.

“The key fundamental, what we are doing today, is education. Even with a hybrid, 81% of consumers got the range wrong. They believe the range of hybrids is lower than what it actually is. The best way is to get bums on seats,” said Mienie.

Of interest
Is the renewables evolution a sign to locally manufacture EVs?

Importance of the grid

Monde Bala, Eskom Distribution Group Executive, said the utility started its e-mobility journey many years ago when they collaborated on pilot project research around the Nissan Leaf.

In the future, the distribution side of Eskom will be leaving the power stations to the generation department. “Our focus is to embrace the future, which is green. We do have an aspiration of being net-zero by 2050,” said Bala.

Part of that net-zero goal is to get involved in the e-mobility space by getting into EV charging grid infrastructure through the utility’s vast infrastructure framework already in place.

Eskom also has a large automobile fleet of around 10,000 vehicles which it wants to electrify. “We’ve started the process; we are running a pilot to go green with EVs,” said Bala.

Read more about the Cape Town E-Prix and the Cape Town E-Fest. ESI

23 February 2023

Self-generating electricity and improving transport infrastructure at provincial level

ESI Africa Asset Maintenance, Business and markets, Customer Services, Features/Analysis, Finance and Policy, Generation, News, Non classé, Smart Mobility, Southern Africa Africa's Green Economy Summit, Gauteng, green economy, IPPs, Public Transport, rail, Smarter Mobility Africa, South Africa, SSEG, Transportation

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.

Have you read?
Cape Town combating the Eskom, NERSA tariff hike decision

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.

SSEG for provinces is the way to go

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.

Panyaza Lesufi’s budget speech
Opportunity on the rise: Gauteng to appoint six solar developers

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.

Green economy for transport infrastructure too

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.”

Of interest
Investment to accelerate adoption of green vehicles in emerging markets

SA transit systems need to revamp

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.

13 February 2023

Ed’s note: The electric vehicle market is thirsty for charging points

ESI Africa Africa, Business and markets, Energy Storage, Features/Analysis, Future Energy, International, Smart Mobility, Southern Africa charging infrastructure, Ed's Note, Electric Vehicles

Written by: Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl

You’re not about to buy a hydrogen-powered truck, but you might be in the market to purchase an electric vehicle (EV) in the next five years.

As the popularity of the electric vehicle market increases, so too will the demand for public charging points for these vehicles. In the UK, for example, the government has pledged to have 300,000 charging points by 2030.

The trick is to position them correctly.

Professor Henry Tse, Director of New Mobility Technologies at Connected Places Catapult in the UK, explains they are looking at the ideal balance between the use of home, on-street and destination charging points. “How could people be encouraged to use destination charging? So, we have been working with industry and academia to look at the situation in great depth.”

This research will add to the sustainable uptake of electric vehicles. However, African markets need to conduct similar studies to address unique circumstances.

While EV owners suffer from range anxiety (especially in countries where charging points remain few and far between), the time it takes to charge an electric vehicle is also a concern. It means downtime for a business.

Time is money. As such, lengthy charging times are especially detrimental to small businesses and passenger vehicle drivers (taxis, Uber-type entrepreneurs). The hour or hours taken to charge an EV is time out for the driver to earn money.

Could the solution be hydrogen?

I mentioned hydrogen-powered trucks above because this space’s progress could prove a future business opportunity.

Fahmida Smith, the principal for market development at Anglo American Platinum, explains: “With hydrogen, it takes you the same time as it would to fuel up with diesel, so it doesn’t impact your pocket.”

Last May, the mining company launched a hydrogen-powered ultra-haul mine truck, showing off a vehicle that makes no noise and emits no fossil fuel emissions. In addition, changing these ultra-haul mine trucks from diesel to hydrogen could represent an 80% reduction of onsite diesel emissions across the business.

While hydrogen-powered passenger vehicles are unlikely to feature soon, we are seeing a steady transition to cleaner mobility.

Testament to this smarter mobility future is Africa’s first consumer clean energy and electric event, E-Fest ELECTRIC. It takes place in Cape Town on 25 February and co-located at the Cape Town E-Prix ABB Formula E Championship E-Prix village. While adding to the excitement is Africa’s Green Economy Summit from 22–24 February.

Formula One pit stops are the epitome of teamwork, and people have written reams about how what they do translates to lessons all businesses could stand to learn. It will be interesting to see what lessons from the E-Prix will eventually trickle down to how we charge and drive our future EVs.

Till then, let’s get moving sustainably.

battery energy storage li-ion lithium mining electric vehicles zero emissions transport mining

7 February 2023

Will Africa grab the opportunity to cultivate a local battery value chain?

Anazi Zote Africa, Battery Energy Storage, Business and markets, Energy Storage, Finance and Policy, Future Energy, International, News, Smart Mobility, Southern Africa battery charging, Battery storage, Electric Vehicles, Lithium, lithium-ion batteries, Mining Indaba

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.

Time to prioritise local value addition

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.

Battery value chain in Africa

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.

12 January 2023

New infrastructure brings an urban mobility system, says Nthabiseng Mehale

Anazi Zote Interviews, Smart Mobility, Southern Africa Climate change, infrastructure development, renewable energy, Smarter Mobility Africa, urbanisation

In this exclusive ESI Africa interview, Anazi Zote Piper, SMA Mobility & Stakeholder Manager, speaks to Founder and CEO of Africa SmatTrans Nthabiseng Mehale about creating a new urban mobility system in South Africa.

Since speaking at Smarter Mobility Africa summit 2022 Mehale has been making further strides in developing infrastructure in the mobility sector.

Question: How have you made your mark as a woman in the transport sector?

Firstly, I am a transport specialist having a qualification in BTech Transportation.? I have been in policy and regulation most of my career. I worked for the National Department of Transport in the policy and implementation section.? We were driving multimodal transport through rolling out the establishment of Transport Authorities nationally.? Then, I was in the infrastructure, construction, property and housing industries.?

I believe I have came full circle as they are inter-related.? In my career I have been able to uncover and realise transformative opportunities especially for women-owned businesses. I have recieved an award in SMME development for my efforts. I also previously held various positions as a National Manager, Regional Manager, Executive Director of a Real Estate Investment Trust and Managing Director of a property company.

During the COVID-19 pandemic I was part of a facilitation team with GetSmarter, the 2U subsidiary in South Africa for a MIT School of Planning and Architecture; Self Driving Cars and the future of Reals Estate. It was at that time that I started a consulting business, Africa SmartTrans, to advise on policy, mobility, logistics, public transport, infrastructure development, sustainability and urbanism.

As we all know, the world is changing with a drive towards protecting our environment and more alignment and adoption of UN SDG goals. I am gravitating along the same principles thus making me an advocate of sustainable cities with free carbon emission mobilities.

Question: What developments in the mobility sector are you looking forward to?

As we all know, the world is changing, with a drive towards protecting our environment and more alignment and adoption of UN SDG goals. I am gravitating along the same principles, thus making me an advocate of sustainable cities with free carbon emission mobilities.

My interest is in shared mobility, on-demand and micro mobility going electrical or autonomous or hydrogen. ?These changes need to be supported by reconfiguring infrastructure that will ensure an urban mobility ecosystem designed for green living and compatibility with mobility hubs.

Question: If you were declared the Minister of Transport today, what would be your first decree?

I would introduce radical changes to policy for sustainability mobility solutions:

Short term: EV and Hydrogen revolution; shared mobilities (All municipal busses) to be EV/Hydrogen; and subsiding infrastructure and its use.
Medium Term: Autonomous revolution; freight, on-demand and micro mobilities to be EV or hydrogen and phasing out of diesel cars.
Long Term: Real estate revolution; changes to curb side, parking, residential, retail, commercial and logistics real estate ongoing

12 January 2023

Clean energy not yet an option for South Africa transport, says Yandisa Sokhanyile

Anazi Zote Business and markets, Interviews, News, Research and Development, Smart Mobility, Southern Africa clean energy, energy transition, renewable energy, Smarter Mobility Africa, Technology

In this exclusive ESI Africa interview Anazi Zote Piper, SMA Mobility Content & Stakeholder Manager, speaks to KONECTA Founder and Chief Digital Officer Yandisa Sokhanyile about the use of clean energy in South Africa’s transport sector.

Since speaking at Smarter Mobility Africa summit 2022, Yandisa Sokhanyile been making her mark in efforts to digitally transforming the transport sector.

Question: How have you made your mark as a woman in the Transport Sector?

I honestly believe this is a long-term journey, the one that I enjoy every day and I hope through my actions and seeds that I plant daily I will eventually say I have made my mark. My goal is to make an impact and bring about the much-needed improvement in the transport sector through technology.

Transport is the driver of any economy and a crucial part in moving the economy forward whether its commuting passenger or transportation of goods. My goal is to ensure that the sector is digitally transformed and also opportunities are created for women to play a vital role in this sector.

I personally provide a lot of thought leadership and advise different stakeholders in creating a digitally transformed transport ecosystem. As a business we have developed the first multi modal route planner for Gauteng Province (Gauteng On The Move App), the first of its kind in the country. We are also providing affordable data packages for drivers and riders operating in the Mobility-as-a-Service platforms and Mobility on demand.

It is high time we grow local manufacturing in the Automotive sector, this can also improve accessibility of transport and create the much-needed jobs.

Question: What clean energy developments in the Transport sector are you looking for?

I am looking forward to the growth of electric transport. Green and clean energy is not a choice right now, but it is a what we all need to be striving for. We are already feeling the impact of global warming and we owe it to the next generation to ensure that this world is still a safer place for humanity.

I am also looking at the many opportunities for local manufacturing and production of these vehicles or even components. It is high time we grow local manufacturing in the automotive sector, this can also improve accessibility of transport and create the much-needed jobs.

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New tool to improve gender equality in climate action

Question: If you were the Minister of Transport, what would be your first decree?

This is a critical role, as the Transport Minister has to deal with different modes of transportation from air, water to land with focus on passenger and freight. Our biggest problem is the disparity in our transport systems – our public transport is not efficient or easily accessible, which drives the need for private cars leading to higher carbon emission.

I would start with these 3 areas: Firstly I would digitise routes to ensure that the Department can get live transport feeds and live data which is crucial for decision making and ability to disperse public transport correctly. This would help the taxi industry with routes planning and make sure the distribution is done in an effective manner that services the demand. The use of geo-fencing will help to curb the fight for routes amongst the taxi owners. If routes are digitised, it opens up business opportunities for deliveries into township and also creates new business models.

Our biggest problem is the disparity in our transport systems. Public transport is not efficient or easily accessible, which drives the need for private cars leading to higher carbon emission.

Secondly, for rail I would put emphasis on upgrading rail infrastructure. Rail is still the cheapest form of transportation for commuters. Improve freight rail and transportation of goods – in that way we can free up the roads, decrease the number of road accidents caused by trucks and most importantly build more export capacity for the country.

Thirdly for commuters I would make public transport accessible and efficient by integrating all public transport modes and have one travel app for the country and make sure public transport information is available, trackable and commuters can pay with one app or card for all transport modes regardless of the province they are in. Ensure passenger safety in the transport hubs and adopt a public transport on demand model to ensure commuters do not spend over 4 hours daily commuting.

12 January 2023

ESI-Africa.com Business and markets, Features/Analysis, Interview, Interviews, Multimedia, News, Non classé, Podcasts, Smart Mobility, Southern Africa e-mobility, electric mobility, Electric Vehicles, formula e, mobility, sustainability, sustainable transport

Southern Africa

#e-mobility

#equality

#smartermobilityafrica

#energytransition

Opportunities lie ahead

New school versus old school

Access and affordability

How do we achieve a just energy transition with e-mobility?

What’s the way forward?

#electricvehicles

#southafrica

#localmanufacturing

#evmarket

Electric vehicles to reduce South Africa’s Greenhouse Gas emissions

Investment opportunities in SA EV market

#electricmotorcycles

#batterystorage

#Roam

#electricvehicles

Transnet’s inability to move freight harming SA GDP

Lessen the burden on roads

National Rail Policy is on the table

#urbansustainability

#infrastructure

#policydevelopment

#smartcity

Urban sustainability through development of infrastructure

The changing face of mobility

Energy efficiency means thinking beyond electrons

Policy development has a place

When it comes to urban sustainability, what comes first, policy or action?

#smartermobility

#e-mobility

#greeneconomy

#energytransition

Go Green Africa

Embracing and enabling e-mobility

Getting into the microgrid game to support e-mobility

Energy storage systems

Invest or heed the warnings

Rating agencies versus ROI

Stakeholders in the green economy in Africa

Incentivising nations

evrt Africa to play role in clean energy education

Educating South Africa on clean energy and EV tech

Place for hybrid EVs in South Africa

Importance of the grid

SSEG for provinces is the way to go

Green economy for transport infrastructure too

SA transit systems need to revamp

Could the solution be hydrogen?

Time to prioritise local value addition

Battery value chain in Africa

Question: How have you made your mark as a woman in the transport sector?

Question: What developments in the mobility sector are you looking forward to?

Question: If you were declared the Minister of Transport today, what would be your first decree?

Question: How have you made your mark as a woman in the Transport Sector?

Question: What clean energy developments in the Transport sector are you looking for?

Question: If you were the Minister of Transport, what would be your first decree?

Question: How have you made your mark as a woman in the transport sector?

Question: What developments in the mobility sector are you looking forward to?

Question: If you were declared the Minister of Transport today, what would be your first Decree?