South Africa has officially launched its first electric minibus taxi, eKamva, at the Smarter Mobility Africa summit.

This initiative, led by GoMetro, a transport technology platform, in partnership with various companies and research institutions, includes a comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) business model and a new charging infrastructure product called flx EV.

The eKamva project seeks to address the urgent need for sustainable public transport and the high transport costs faced by commuters.

The initiative highlighted that commuters often spend up to 40% of their income on transport, and the minibus taxi sector significantly contributes to carbon emissions.

By providing a greener alternative, eKamva aims to reduce transport costs while lowering the estimated 30 million tonnes of carbon dioxide produced by the sector annually.

The partners claim the 15-seater eKamva offers a range of over 200 km on a single charge, with the ability to fast-charge in 75 minutes or slow-charge overnight in 10 hours.

It promises cost savings of 40-70% compared to traditional vehicles, making it an attractive option amid rising fuel prices.

The consortium, which began its partnership in 2023, conducted extensive testing on existing taxi routes in Stellenbosch. This included rigorous evaluations of traditional minibus taxis to assess the feasibility of an electric alternative.

They claim the flx EV website will soon enable taxi owners to join a waiting list for this innovative solution, as charging hubs are developed in partnership with various stakeholders across South Africa, starting in Century City and Stellenbosch within the next year.

GoMetro CEO Justin Coetzee emphasizes the potential of eKamva to create a new economic sector, stating, “This is a new approach to electrifying the smaller-vehicle public transport industry.” Historical data suggests that replacing urban taxi and shuttle fleets with eKamvas could lead to a reduction of 13.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per vehicle annually.

In addition to environmental benefits, eKamva aims to enhance community health by reducing harmful emissions such as nitrous oxides and particulate matter. This initiative aligns with global efforts to decarbonize transport, contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

The project also aims to address technical and regulatory challenges associated with integrating electric transport into South Africa’s existing grid infrastructure. Experts from Stellenbosch University are actively engaged in researching the energy requirements of electric minibus taxis to ensure a successful transition.

As the minibus taxi industry evolves to meet the growing demand for sustainable transport, companies like ACDC Dynamics and HSW are integral in this transformation. ACDC Dynamics is focused on providing EV charging solutions, while HSW emphasizes the potential for local manufacturing of electric vehicles.

The launch of eKamva signifies a pivotal moment for South Africa’s public transport sector, aiming to revolutionize how millions of people commute daily. By integrating electric-powered taxis and expanding charging networks, this initiative is poised to create a greener, more responsible transportation landscape for future generations.