Renewable energy firm Scatec has announced progress in its South African electric vehicle (EV) pilot project in the Northern Cape, demonstrating the use of EVs in remote, industrial settingsIn partnership with local EV-as-a-Service company, Everlectric, the initiative is a component of Scatec’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions.“Scatec is committed to achieving net-zero emissions across all our global operations by 2040,” said Sean McGibbon, supply chain manager at Scatec.He said the EV pilot project forms part of a series of net-zero initiatives implemented by the company to reduce emissions across its own operations and supply chain.“This pilot, running in Kenhardt and Upington, is a key step towards that goal,”he said.“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.”The project also aligns with a growing global trend where industrial sectors are embracing electric mobility.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 like the EV White Paper and its associated tax incentives are further accelerating this transition by promoting local EV infrastructure development.Scatec’s 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," said McGibbon.“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.”Everlectric, Scatec's partner in the project, provides an innovative ‘EV-as-a-Service’ model that removes common barriers to EV adoption, such as high upfront costs and infrastructure uncertainty.This model offers full-maintenance leasing, charging infrastructure and smart fleet management in a single package.“This new electric vehicle rollout represents a powerful convergence of clean energy and sustainable mobility in two traditionally high-emission and hard-to-decarbonise sectors — energy generation and transportation,” said Ndia Magadagela, CEO of Everlectric.“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,” added Magadagela.“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.”Both companies believe the success of the pilot project demonstrates that electric mobility is not an impossible task, even in a small Northern Cape town.“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,” said Magadagela.“Electric vehicles continue to demonstrate their reliability and energy efficiency, proving to be a strong and sustainable alternative to combustion-powered vehicles.”Read more:
Northern Cape industrial EV adoption project
Putting EVs to work on the project site. (Image Source: Scatec)
