Mercedes-Benz South Africa is advancing its sustainability strategy for South Africa through a substantial investment in the local electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
As the demand for EVs continues to grow, ensuring a robust infrastructure is essential and to meet this need, Mercedes-Benz South Africa is taking proactive steps to expand the local charging network by investing in over 120 charging stations across South Africa.
In collaboration with Chargify, a Level 2 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) company, Mercedes-Benz is working to expand its presence in the local charging infrastructure. Chargify is actively deploying AC and fast charging DC-charging stations along the main routes, between metropolitan areas, including airports, shopping malls, restaurant hubs, private hospitals, strategic expansion sites, residential estates and small towns throughout South Africa.
“The partnership with Chargify not only gives us the opportunity to grow the share of the local EV-charging network but also reaffirms Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s ambition to expand its Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) portfolio. Our ESD programme is aimed at making a real and lasting impact towards the transformation of the country through the creation of sustainable and meaningful jobs,” says Abey Kgotle, Executive Director: Human Resources & Corporate Affairs Mercedes-Benz South Africa.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa's initial investment in the EQ-charging network amounts to R15 million, with an additional R25 million earmarked for the second phase of the roll-out.
Phase 1 involves the installation of 67 Mercedes-Benz EQ-branded charging stations across South Africa by quarter one of 2024. This investment is aimed at not only providing current customers with a reliable charging network but also to instil confidence in those considering the switch to electric vehicle ownership.
Phase 2 will see the implementation of over 60 additional charging stations, bringing the total to 127 Mercedes-Benz EQ-branded charging stations, strategically positioned in key areas.
Already, some locations feature Mercedes-Benz EQ-branded charging infrastructure, including BT Ngebs Mall and Mayfair Hotel in Mthatha – with this installation, an EV driver can now travel from Durban to Cape Town; Woodhill Estate and Country Club; Da Vinci Hotel in Sandton; Champagne Castle in the Drakensberg; Highwayman’s in Pilgrims Rest; Courtyard Sandton, and Silvermist Wine Estate. Other locations, such as The Plettenberg Hotel, The Wilderness Hotel, Swartberg Hotel in Prince Albert, and Karoo Junction Mall in Beaufort West, to name a few, are currently in the installation phase.
Volvo Trucks South Africa delivered the first of nine new electric trucks that will be added to DSV’s (an international supply-chain operator) local fleet over the next few months.
Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) has unveiled two striking prototypes, the GR GT and GR GT3, signalling a transformative chapter in the brand’s pursuit of performance and motorsport excellence.
Australia’s growing love affair with oversized bakkies (or Utes as they are known Down Under) has sparked a fresh safety review by ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program). This time, it is not just about surviving a crash, but avoiding one altogether.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Volvo Trucks South Africa delivered the first of nine new electric trucks that will be added to DSV’s (an international supply-chain operator) local fleet over the next few months.
Spain will channel an impressive R27.6 billion into its electric vehicle (EV) sector next year, as part of a bold initiative to ensure that 95% of vehicles produced in the country are electric by 2035, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed recently.
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has completed the second phase of its solar photovoltaic (PV) carport project in the employee car park and service centre at the Kariega manufacturing plant, further demonstrating its focus on renewable energy and sustainable manufacturing.
