Insights from industry leaders on SA’s electric future

Navigating the regulatory landscape, addressing infrastructure readiness, and building viable business models remain critical for policymakers, fleet operators, and consumers.

A webinar hosted by Chris Yelland, Managing Director of EE Business Intelligence in association with The Electric Mission, brought together three leading voices in the sector - Hiten Parmar of The Electric Mission, Ndia Magadagela of Everlectric, and Grant Locke of Volvo Cars South Africa.

Hiten Parmar – The Electric Mission:

Hiten Parmar, representing The Electric Mission, a not‑for‑profit organisation dedicated to advancing mobility and energy transition, opened the discussion with a focus on South Africa’s automotive manufacturing base and the regulatory pressures shaping its future.

He reminded the audience that vehicle production in 2025 reached 618 077 units, underscoring the sector’s importance to the national economy. Yet, looming export regulations in the European Union, with bans on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles set for 2030–2035, mean South African manufacturers must adapt quickly to remain competitive.

He also highlighted the growing development of South Africa’s public charging network, alongside increased interest in renewable energy integration as part of the mobility transition.

Hiten highlighted the steady growth in EV registrations: by the end of 2025, cumulative registrations reached 4 502 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and 4 835 plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs).

The message was clear: the transition is underway, but without stronger policy alignment and investment in charging networks, South Africa risks falling behind global peers.

Hiten stressed that South Africa’s EV transition would require collaboration between government, industry and civil society. As part of this effort, he announced the formation of the South African Electric Mobility Association, aimed at advancing electric mobility development across the country.

Ndia Magadagela – Everlectric:

Ndia Magadagela, CEO of Everlectric, shifted the focus to the economics of fleet electrification. Her presentation drew on case studies from logistics and corporate fleets, demonstrating that EVs deliver tangible bottom‑line benefits.

Over 12.5 million kilometres travelled by Everlectric’s fleet have saved more than 2.75 million kilograms of carbon emissions, with 100% operational availability and no mechanical downtime.

She argued that one of the biggest misconceptions around EV adoption remains the focus on upfront purchase costs alone, instead of analysing total cost of ownership over the lifespan of a vehicle.

According to Magadagela, while EVs still carry higher initial capital costs than internal combustion engine vehicles, the lower operating costs significantly improve the long term financial equation, particularly in commercial logistics applications where vehicles cover high mileage.

Everlectric’s “EVs‑as‑a‑Service” approach bundles vehicles, charging infrastructure, and renewable electricity into a single monthly invoice, eliminating the need for high capital expenditure. This model allows companies to access world‑class OEM vehicles and fast‑charging infrastructure without the financial burden of ownership.

Her analysis of total cost of ownership (TCO) was particularly compelling. While EVs carry higher upfront costs, they are substantially cheaper to operate. Fuel savings alone can reach 80% compared to ICE vehicles, and maintenance costs are projected to be 30% lower.

Comparative studies showed EVs delivering up to 27% lower TCO in direct purchase scenarios and 23% lower when financed. Importantly, the breakeven point for EVs in fleet operations is reached at relatively modest mileage, around 2 500 to 3 200 kilometres per month, depending on vehicle type.

She concluded by stressing that electrification is not just an environmental imperative but a financial opportunity. For fleet operators, the shift to EVs offers reduced operating expenses, predictable costs, and a pathway to sustainability.

Grant Locke – Volvo Cars South Africa:

Grant Locke, Head of Volvo Cars South Africa, provided a consumer‑oriented perspective, drawing on real‑world data from Volvo’s EX30.

Over a two‑year period, the vehicle logged 28 744 kilometres and consumed 4 991 kWh of energy. Remarkably, 90% of charging was done via excess home solar or workplace facilities, resulting in a total cost of just R970.08. In comparison, a petrol vehicle covering the same distance would have cost R48 277 in fuel, meaning the EV saved over R47 000 while cutting emissions by 55%.

Grant also shared insights into consumer behaviour. Google keyword searches for electric cars in South Africa have risen sharply since 2025, and Volvo’s own website traffic shows growing interest in BEVs relative to petrol and hybrid models.

Public charging infrastructure is expanding too, with major highways (N1, N2, N3) now offering charge points within 300 km intervals, and urban drivers in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban able to find a charger within 20 km.

Looking ahead, he highlighted bi‑directional charging as a transformative technology. Vehicle‑to‑grid (V2G), vehicle‑to‑home (V2H), and vehicle‑to‑load (V2L) capabilities will allow EVs to power homes, tools, and even other vehicles, while stabilising the grid. This innovation could redefine the value proposition of EVs, turning them into mobile energy assets rather than just transport solutions.

Finally, Grant addressed broader market risks and opportunities. Africa’s motorisation gap, the lowest vehicle penetration rate globally, means demand will grow as GDP per capita rises. South Africa, with its established manufacturing base and port network, is well positioned to serve both domestic and export markets. However, he warned that rising imports of used ICE vehicles into Sub‑Saharan Africa could undermine fleet modernisation and complicate decarbonisation efforts.