Charging an electric truck with off-grid solar power
A historic milestone has been reached with the opening of South Africa's first off-grid solar station for electric trucks.
- New Energy Vehicles
- 16 January 2026
BMW Group Plant Rosslyn will manufacturer of the next-generation BMW X3 plug-in hybrid for the global export market. Rosslyn is the only market set to manufacture the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version for export to an expanding group of electric vehicle customers worldwide.
Excitement builds as the fourth-generation BMW X3 is revealed globally in which South Africa will play a major part through BMW’s Rosslyn plant in Gauteng.
The highly anticipated fourth-generation BMW X3, manufactured in South Africa, affirms the BMW Group’s commitment to electrification, the manufacturer says.
The BMW X3 30e xDrive will be produced at the iconic BMW Group Plant Rosslyn for worldwide export. Last year, BMW Group South Africa announced the BMW Group’s R4.2 billion investment in the electrification and digitalisation of the plant.
The infrastructural upgrade represents the largest in the plant’s history. It secures BMW Group Plant Rosslyn’s future as well as the livelihoods of over 20 000 direct and indirect employees.
The fourth generation of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) in the premium mid-range vehicle segment will be produced at the BMW Group Plants in Spartanburg (USA), Shenyang (China) and Rosslyn locally.
The success of BMW is founded on its long-term thinking and responsible action. Evidenced in its lead position in electromobility, the BMW Group has already delivered more than two million electrified vehicles to customers globally, including more than one million battery-electric vehicles (BEVs).
In 2023, the BMW brand remained the South African BEV market leader for the year with 57.2% of the BEV premium segment. And in 2024, the BMW Group will have a BEV option in almost all its main segments.
Plant Director at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, Dr Niklas Fichtmueller, says they are excited and thrilled by the expected debut and start of production later on this year. “This vehicle ensures that BMW Group South Africa is positioned to be a major player in the South African premium car market and underscores the BMW Group’s role as a key player in the local automotive industry’s move towards a green economy.”
A historic milestone has been reached with the opening of South Africa's first off-grid solar station for electric trucks.
With the local automotive market’s consistent growth, month after month last year, one brand is not giving up a piece of its sales cake slice.
The automotive sector is moving through one of the most transformative periods in its history, shaped by rapid advances in technology and shifting consumer priorities.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
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