Eskom launches pilot project to roll-out electric vehicle charging stations across SA

Eskom has set its sights on setting up its first electric vehicle charging station in in Brackenfell, Cape Town.

This forms part of a pilot project, which also includes the procurement of 20 electric vehicles ranging from light delivery vehicles to light trucks for operational use.

Eskom announced on Thursday when it officially launched its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at the Eskom Academy of Learning (EAL) in Midrand.

Hailed as a milestone, Eskom said the move marked 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 involves the installation of 10 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,” the power utility said in a statement.

Gabriel Kgabo, General Manager in the Office of the Eskom Group Executive for Distribution, said their focus was a long-term strategy to deliver a competitive, sustainable, and future-proof Eskom to ensure energy security, growth, and sustainability for the benefit of South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

“By investing in eMobility and the charging infrastructure needed for electric vehicles, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also stimulating the local economy and creating new opportunities for growth,” said Kgabo.

Cape Times