Renewable energy company Scatec has announced solid progress in its South African electric vehicle (EV) pilot project, demonstrating the practical and cost-effective use of EVs in remote, industrial settings.

In partnership with local EV-as-a-service company Everlectric, the initiative is a core component of Scatec's global commitment to working towards achieving net-zero emissions.

"Scatec is committed to achieving net-zero emissions across all our global operations by 2040," says Scatec supply chain manager Sean McGibbon.

The EV pilot project forms part of a series of net-zero initiatives implemented by Scatec to reduce emissions across its own operations and supply chain.

"This pilot, running in Kenhardt and Upington, in the Northern Cape, is a key step towards that goal. We're not only proving that electric mobility can work in challenging conditions, but we're also gaining valuable local insights that will help us build more viable and cost-effective solutions than fossil fuel alternatives.”

Scatec says the project aligns with a growing global trend where industrial sectors are embracing electric mobility.

The company notes that this shift is being driven by a combination of factors, including the need to meet national climate goals, the desire for energy independence, and the increasing availability of affordable, robust EV models.

In South Africa, government policies such as the EV White Paper and its associated tax incentives are further accelerating this transition by promoting local EV infrastructure development, the company says.

Scatec adds that its pilot, which uses two EV pick-ups and one panel van, has already demonstrated that with clever scheduling and charging stations, EVs can be seamlessly integrated into day-to-day operations with minimal disruption.

"Our tests have shown that an electric vehicle can be used in our day-to-day operations with limited changes to our daily behaviour.

"What excites us is the positive change this brings to our planet. Our ambition is to roll out pilots in all our core markets by the end of 2027, with a target of full electrification of our operational fleets by 2030, where it is practical and possible," McGibbon adds.

Everlectric provides an innovative EV-as-a-service model that removes common barriers to EV adoption, such as high upfront costs and infrastructure uncertainty.

Scatec explains that this model offers full-maintenance leasing, charging infrastructure and smart fleet management in a single package.

"Everlectric is excited to continue our partnership with Scatec," says Everlectric CEO Ndia Magadagela.

Magadagela says this new EV rollout represents a powerful convergence of clean energy and sustainable mobility in two traditionally high-emission and hard-to-decarbonise sectors, namely energy generation and transportation.

“This project will allow us to close the loop on clean energy by ensuring that both your energy generation and consumption are 100% renewable and emission-free."

Operating in remote South African locations, Everlectric has tailored its approach to meet the unique challenges of the terrain.

"We prioritise robust panel vans and commercial EVs with higher ground clearance and reinforced suspension. In areas with limited grid access, we deploy solar-assisted charging stations and work with partners like Scatec to maximise the opportunity to utilise off-grid solutions,” Magadagela adds.

Scatec and Everlectric say the success of this pilot project demonstrates that electric mobility is not an impossible task, even in a small Northern Cape town.

By leading the charge, Scatec says the companies are proving a strong commitment to carbon neutrality and paving the way for wider industrial adoption.

"Through our ongoing collaboration with Scatec, we have found that fit-for-purpose electric vehicles are exceptionally well aligned with the demands of these operations.

"EVs continue to demonstrate their reliability and energy efficiency, proving to be a strong and sustainable alternative to combustion-powered vehicles,” Magadagela concludes.