As Eskom works to electrify its vehicle fleet and decarbonise its operations, the State-owned power utility is piloting electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at its Academy of Learning, in Midrand.

This marks a milestone in Eskom Distribution’s commitment to supporting the growth of the e-mobility sector in South Africa and decarbonising its operations.

The pilot project comprises the procurement of 20 EVs ranging from light delivery vehicles to light trucks for operational use.

The project will also involve the installation of ten charging stations at five Eskom sites across the country. The other sites are Brackenfell, in Cape Town; Mkondeni, in 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 strategy to electrify its entire fleet by 2040.

“We continue to focus on our long-term strategy to deliver a competitive, sustainable, and future-proof Eskom to ensure energy security, growth, and long-term sustainability for the benefit of South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

“By investing in e-mobility and the charging infrastructure needed for EVs, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also stimulating the local economy and creating new opportunities for growth,” says Eskom distribution office GM Gabriel Kgabo.

He also highlights Eskom’s support for the government to align South Africa with the global EV ecosystem market. Key initiatives by government include the EV White Paper released by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition in December 2023 and the incentives announced by the National Treasury to encourage the local production of EVs from 2026.

The newly installed charging stations, in partnership with Gridcars, comprise 60 kW direct current fast chargers and 22 kW dual alternating current chargers, which are optimally sized to cater for overnight charging of fleet vehicles and daytime workplace charging for employees and visitors.

This initiative will serve as a blueprint for the future rollout of EVs across Eskom’s entire fleet.

“It is one of the levers that will steer the organisation towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and will also contribute to stimulating the local EV market,” Kgabo says.

He concludes that the successful launch of this infrastructure is a result of the dedicated efforts of the project team within Eskom. Their work is laying the groundwork for a future where EVs play a central role in South Africa’s transportation landscape.