Electric heavy machinery vehicles are here 

• Sany joins the growing list of global heavy construction equipment makers that have introduced electric models in Africa. They include John Deere, Volvo, JCB, Komatsu and Caterpillar. 

• While more expensive to purchase, electric machinery is cheaper to operate than diesel ones. EVs also have fewer moving parts, reducing maintenance costs, makers point out.    

• Our take: It’s good to see competition brewing in what is potentially an impactful as well as profitable market… Read more (2 min)

When city power utilities embrace e-mobility

• City Power may change the EV narrative around public institution in South Africa. National utility Eskom has only deployed three of the planned 20 electric vehicles since 2024.  

• With EV sales in South Africa up 35% last year, demand for charging stations is accelerating. But infrastructure expansion struggles to keep pace.

• Our take: Private companies are outpacing government efforts to capture the emerging opportunity… Read more (2 min)

Q&A: Why demand for electric taxis is accelerating  

• He started by importing four electric taxis from China and sold them quickly, leading him to import a further 20, which also sold fast. He continues to gradually increase the quantity of imports to meet the growing demand.

• Despite his initial success, many challenges remain, especially high taxation by government agencies. Banks are also still reluctant to lend to the EV sector, limiting the pace of growth. 

• Read our full interview here… (2 min)