Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) welcomes President Ramaphosa’s announcement that government is considering introducing new electric vehicle (EV) incentives during his address at SA Auto Week 2024 held in Cape Town.
He indicated these incentives could include tax rebates for consumers who currently face a 25% tax on EVs compared to the 18% on internal combustion vehicles, which would help accelerate the adoption of EVs and South Africa’s just energy transition.
While this news is welcome, in order for EVs to contribute towards a reduction in our country’s carbon emissions, they need to be powered by green energy sources. CHARGE’s own research shows that an EV charged from Eskom’s predominantly coal-powered grid indirectly emits 5.8 tonnes of CO2 per year compared to a petrol-driven car, which emits 4.4 tonnes per year.
“The development of an off-grid, renewably powered EV-charging network is the only viable option for South Africa to meet its carbon-reduction goals. It will also play a vital part in meeting the Department of Transport’s target of net-zero transport by 2050,” says Joubert Roux, Executive Chairman of CHARGE.
CHARGE is currently developing a network of 120 solar-powered, off-grid charging stations for electric passenger and light commercial vehicles, as well as 120 charging stations for electric trucks. These stations, which will be located on major highways across the country, will be loadshedding-proof and equipped with ultra-fast charging technology.
“This project is a large-scale, national carbon emission reduction initiative that can contribute towards our country’s just energy transition. CHARGE estimates that if we fully migrate the vehicle fleet currently registered on government’s E-NATIS system to electric vehicles charged with solar power, we could reduce the country’s carbon emissions by over ninety-seven million (97 000 000) tonnes of CO2e per year,” added Roux.
“CHARGE looks forward to hearing more details about the EV incentives to be introduced by President Ramaphosa. We hope that any government strategy to encourage a transition to EVs will prioritise the reduction of red tape currently hampering the development of off-grid EV-charging stations on our roads. CHARGE remains committed to working with government to create a green, sustainable transport sector in South Africa,” he concludes.
In a true spirit of celebration and support, Toyota fans and members of Toyota, Lexus and the Hino dealer network will gather at the OR Tambo International Airport tomorrow (Wednesday, 22 January) to welcome back the 2025 Toyota Gazoo Racing SA Dakar Rally Team.
With more than two decades of experience in the automotive retail sector and 11 years in the banking sector, Riyaaz Slarmie, Dealer Principal at GWM and BYD in Woodmead, is a go-getter driven by a genuine passion for people and success.
Great Wall Motor Company is kicking off the new year with its long-awaited new model, the GWM Haval H7. The new model will join the existing Haval range consisting of the Jolion, Haval H6 and the Haval H6 GT.
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In a true spirit of celebration and support, Toyota fans and members of Toyota, Lexus and the Hino dealer network will gather at the OR Tambo International Airport tomorrow (Wednesday, 22 January) to welcome back the 2025 Toyota Gazoo Racing SA Dakar Rally Team.
The 15th edition of the annual Simola Hillclimb is set to roar into action from 1 to 4 May 2025, but just two weeks remain for aspiring competitors to submit their entry applications with the closing date set for 31 January.
The announced closure of ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA), long steel production from the Newcastle blast furnace could significantly impact the South African automotive sector, a cornerstone of the country's economy.
