South Africa produces first ever electric taxi

South Africa may be grappling with a major load-shedding crisis, but that doesn’t seem to be stopping its transition to green energy. A group from government-owned Stellenbosch University (SU) is testing what could become the country’s first-ever electric taxis.

The taxis are expected to travel for up to 120 kilometres before needing a charge. They come with an electric motor power of 90 kWh alongside a battery capacity of 53.76 kWh.

The team from SU and Rham Equipment collaborated to convert a minibus taxi into an electric-powered one. As of now, the vehicle is in the road testing phase with performance testing scheduled immediately after.

One of the group members, Stephan Lacock, disclosed that they expelled the original internal combustion engine (ICE) while explaining the conversion process. The radiator, manual gearbox, gas pipe and related equipment were also taken out.

He continued by saying that with assistance from Rham Equipment, the group constructed a “reproducible kit.” The essential components of the electric powertrain are included in this kit. They are an electronic control unit, a single-speed reduction gearbox, an electric motor, an inverter, and a charger. It’s interesting that the bus has regenerative braking, which allows electric vehicles to increase their range while slowing down.

South Africa adopts the clean transport trend

Many nations have embraced the trend of creating and deploying electric vehicles because they are seen as a long-term answer to climate change. The objective is the same for South Africa. Professor Thinus Booyesen of the SU Industrial Engineering Department stated that local producers now have the opportunity to pursue the production of electric taxis. He thinks that by opening more plants just for this, this may be accomplished.

en acknowledged that South Africa shouldn’t be falling behind in the switch to electric vehicles. He continues that doing so might put thousands of jobs in danger. He continues by saying that neither the government nor the auto sector can “afford to sleep at the wheel.”

Booysen clarified the decision of the group to use the minibus by saying:

“We hope to stimulate the conversion of some of the 250 000 minibuses in the nation with electric propulsion because more than 70% of travels in South Africa are made in the informal sector by minibus. Compared to new electric vehicles, these will be cheaper and significantly more environmentally benign.

The professor intended for this programme to increase public awareness of the kinds of skills necessary for locally building electric vehicles. His agenda also includes educating South Africans about environmental impacts.

Managing a well-known energy crisis

Although it has grown quickly over the years, South Africa’s energy crisis is a well-known problem. It was essential in lowering MTN’s performance in the first half of 2023.

The frequent blackouts not only have a negative impact on large, small and medium-sized businesses, but they also raise questions about the viability of electric taxis. How can South Africa manage the daily culture of charging electric vehicles without reliable electricity? This obviously has the potential to collapse an already fragile power grid.

Booyen acknowledged the energy situation as a potential barrier for any endeavour to promote clean mobility, but Johan Giliomee, a group member, claimed the cabs will be powered by solar energy. He was referring to battery energy storage technology and solar panels. He also suggested hydrogen as a potential substitute.

Recent initiatives to lead a clean transport revolution have been made in Nigeria, another African nation. A government organisation bought some electric buses last month. A few weeks later, the government also made intentions to purchase 3,000 CNG-fueled buses public.

While reducing the burden of rising transport costs was the primary objective, it also aimed to reduce the nation’s carbon emissions. These are good plans, but as this article emphasises, they need to be “executed smartly.”

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Samson Ayodeji

I am literally obsessed with technology. I love writing about the latest news in technology in different markets, segments and sectors across the world.

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