In MasterTorque’s upcoming annual magazine, we address a growing topic of interest and concern in South Africa. There are many challenges to EV adoption among fleets but, fortunately, there are solutions as well. Read the annual magazine for the full list of potential solutions to these challenges.
Over the last year, South Africa saw a surge in electric vehicle (EV) adoption. Yet, its adoption is still limited to a small portion of the population because of various concerns. Despite this, the spread of EV technology will continue growing and likely soon be a viable option for fleets that see the many benefits it presents.
The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says while many challenges pose a barrier to the adoption of EV technology in South Africa, there are as many solutions. “When deciding if EV vehicles are the right fit for your fleet, it is important not to just look at the challenges but also investigate the possible solutions.
“Taking an example from history, when it became a legal requirement to wear seatbelts from the 1960s onwards, it arose heated debate about whether its safety benefits were legitimate. All of these were disproven and today it is an essential safety feature. EV technology often also faces heated opposition but, fortunately, each challenge is not without a solution,” says Herbert.
- Affordability
While considerable long-term savings is a major appeal, the initial outlay required for EVs still remains the largest barrier to entry. “Higher import costs and a lack of local development combines to create significantly higher costs than internal combustion engines (ICE). Currently, EVs are reserved to premium vehicles in South Africa.
“Out of the country’s top five sellers of vehicles, one focuses on hybrid options, another is investigating the viability of EV options while others have no plans to introduce it to their range anytime soon but intend pursuing other zero-emission options,” says Herbert.
Is there a solution?
- Affordability depends on economies of scale– in 2023 approximately 20 models will be available compared to the less than five models at the start of 2022.
- Infrastructure
A worldwide concern is charging infrastructure may not be readily available. “Yet, according to Deloitte’s 2022 Global Automotive Consumer Study, only 11% of Americans intend on using public charging facilities.
“In a country behind in development, this does pose more of a challenge here. The prospect of not charging your vehicle overnight because of unreliable power infrastructure, creates a somewhat different degree of concern. Another concern is about the lack of charging points on long-distance routes,” says Herbert.
Various solutions are here or coming:
- Mordor Intelligence says significant investment is expected in EV power capacity over the next decade in Africa.
- Range anxiety
Fear that a vehicle will not have enough battery charge to reach one’s destination persists in South Africa. “In particular, motorists are concerned about EV range on long-distance trips. It is related to a lack of understanding and certainty about how far one can get with an EV before charging.”
Range anxiety is being extensively addressed:
- Currently, certain vehicles can travel up to 470km on a single charge.
Ultimately, the change to EV is not an ‘if’ but ‘when.’ “As such, rather than dismissing an EV fleet, start looking at not only the challenges but the considerable in-roads made to solving these the last few years. In the first three months of 2022, South Africa sold over 1 400 electric vehicles. This is more than 2020 and 2021 combined – soon fleets will follow suit,” says Herbert.
The time is right for EV training! https://t.co/ImDj8TUcgQ #ArriveAlive #ElectricVehicles #DriverTraining @MasterDriveSA
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) October 14, 2022