Volvo Car South Africa (VCSA) is closing Transport Month with a historic milestone in electric mobility: the EX30 Cross Country has become the first fully electric vehicle (BEV) to successfully ascend Sani Pass, one of South Africa’s most iconic and demanding mountain routes.
Stretching through the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, Sani Pass has long separated ordinary vehicles from those built to endure, testing resilience, power and control. Now, for the first time, an electric vehicle has conquered its challenging gradients, proving that sustainable mobility can thrive under even the most extreme conditions.
Sani Pass is more than just a road; it is a trail steeped in history. Decades before engines ever roared up its steep gradients, Basotho shepherds traversed the mountains to trade livestock and goods, navigating narrow, twisting paths that demanded courage and determination.
In 1969, the first Volvo ascended the trail, showcasing the engineering and endurance that would come to define the brand for decades to come. Fast forward 56 years, and the EX30 Cross Country completes the same ascent, this time powered entirely by electricity, underscoring the progress of automotive technology.
Small but formidable, the EX30 Cross Country’s compact size belies its capability. Combining rugged design with environmentally conscious engineering, this 315kW electric SUV was designed to handle both urban streets and demanding mountain passes.
Adding to the significance of this milestone is the installation of South Africa’s highest solar-powered EV charger, located just below Sani Pass at 1 566 metres. Installed for Volvo at Premier Resort Sani Pass by CHARGE, the unit enabled a fully solar-to-solar journey for the EX30 Cross Country.
“The ascent of Sani Pass by the EX30 Cross Country is a defining moment for electric mobility in South Africa,” says Grant Locke, Managing Director of VCSA. “It demonstrates that electric vehicles can tackle the most challenging terrain and that clean, sustainable energy can power adventure.”
He adds that this historic journey also marks a moment to reflect on the evolution of exploration and innovation. “From the Willys Jeep ascents of the mid-20th century to endurance tests and modern performance trials, Sani Pass has always been a stage for determination and ingenuity. The EX30 Cross Country now joins this list of milestones.”
Looking ahead, “CHARGE is proud to have partnered with Volvo and the Premier Hotels & Resorts for this momentous occasion. The solar-powered charger at Premier Resort Sani Pass will be upgraded in Q2 of 2026 with battery backup capabilities to allow for overnight charging,” Joubert Roux, Founder of CHARGE comments.
The name tells the story – Basadi Automotive Group. Basadi, the Sesotho word for women, was chosen by a woman who, against all odds but with an unwavering belief in God, decided in 2018 or so to go it alone in the male-dominated automotive industry.
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