BYD

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.

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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.  

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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. 

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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.  

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“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.

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