South Africa’s state-owned power utility Eskom has rolled out its first fleet of electric vehicles, deploying 20 light delivery vehicles and trucks across its Distribution and Generation divisions.
The initiative forms part of Eskom’s plan to electrify its entire fleet by 2035. The company said it intends to purchase an additional 100 EVs in the “near future” but did not disclose which manufacturer supplied the initial batch. Eskom recently signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with BYD South Africa, supporting the launch of the BYD Dolphin Surf in the country.
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To support the transition, Eskom installed 10 mixed AC/DC charging stations at five of its sites in August 2024. The facilities include DC chargers with capacities of up to 60 kW and AC chargers up to 22 kW. They can be used by employees and visitors during the day, while the fleet will recharge overnight. The company also plans to deploy 55 more public charging stations in the next two years.
“The launch of these vehicles is not only about mobility, it is about reimagining the energy landscape, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring every community benefits from the transition to sustainable transport,” said Agnes Mlambo, Eskom Group’s Executive for Distribution. CEO Dan Marokane added: “We see ourselves as more than just an electricity provider – we are enablers of progress.”
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Electric vehicle adoption in South Africa remains limited, accounting for about 1.2% of new car sales in 2025. Policymakers and industry players are seeking to accelerate growth in the sector, citing the country’s rich mineral resources as a potential advantage for EV production.
