Eskom has officially launched its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at the Eskom Academy of Learning (EAL) in Midrand, Gauteng. This milestone marks a significant step in Eskom Distribution’s commitment to supporting the growth of the eMobility sector in South Africa and contributing to the country’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions.
The pilot project encompasses the acquisition of 20 electric vehicles, including light delivery vehicles and light trucks for operational purposes. It also entails the installation of 10 charging stations at five Eskom locations nationwide, specifically in Brackenfell (Cape Town), Mkondeni (Pietermaritzburg), Tlhabane Customer Network Centre (CNC) in Rustenburg, and Marathon CNC in Mbombela. These sites will serve as the foundation for Eskom Distribution’s long-term vision of electrifying its entire fleet by 2040.
Gabriel Kgabo, General Manager in the Office of the Eskom Group Executive for Distribution, stated, “We are committed to our long-term strategy of creating a competitive, sustainable, and forward-thinking Eskom to ensure energy security, growth, and lasting sustainability for the benefit of South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. By investing in eMobility and the charging infrastructure required for electric vehicles, we aim not only to minimize our carbon footprint but also to stimulate the local economy and generate new growth opportunities.”
Supporting Government Initiatives
Kgabo further emphasized Eskom’s alignment with the government’s initiatives to integrate South Africa into the global EV market ecosystem. Notable efforts include the EV White Paper released by the Department of Trade Industry and Competition (DTIC) in December 2023 and the incentives announced by National Treasury to promote domestic production of EVs starting in 2026.
Pilot Project Overview
The newly installed charging stations, developed in partnership with Gridcars, feature cutting-edge Direct Current (DC) Fast Chargers (60kW) and Dual Alternating Current (AC) Chargers (22kW). These are ideally designed for overnight charging of fleet vehicles and daytime charging for employees and visitors.
This initiative will serve as a model for the future deployment of electric vehicles throughout Eskom’s fleet. It is one of the key strategies guiding the organization toward achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 while also bolstering the local EV market.
The successful launch of this infrastructure is a testament to the hard work of the project team at Eskom, who are laying the groundwork for a future where electric vehicles are integral to South Africa’s transportation landscape.
