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Electric Vehicles in South Africa: Status and Challenges | IEEE Conference Publication | IEEE Xplore

Electric Vehicles in South Africa: Status and Challenges


Abstract:

The use of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles over the years has contributed significantly to problems such as climate change, environmental pollution, and increas...Show More

Abstract:

The use of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles over the years has contributed significantly to problems such as climate change, environmental pollution, and increased cost of gas. The automotive industry in South Africa is amongst the highest Carbon (CO2) emitters, responsible for approximately 20% of total emissions and the third highest contributor to air pollution. This has given rise to the quest for alternative source of power for vehicular application. Some of such power sources are solar and battery electric vehicles (EVs) due to their simplicity and technology advancement. Therefore, this paper reviews the general state, overview and challenges hindering mass adoption of EVs in South Africa. It highlights potential opportunities that exist in the electric vehicle sector, barriers, material availability and stakeholder involvement. However, providing adequate charging infrastructure, tax incentives, and sensitizing the public will support mass adoption of EV as enshrined in the Automotive Production Development Programme (APDP).
Date of Conference: 23-27 August 2021
Date Added to IEEE Xplore: 28 September 2021
ISBN Information:
Conference Location: Nairobi, Kenya

I. Introduction

According to report released by South Africa's uYilo Electric Mobility program in 2019, a total of 1,119 plug-in electric vehicles was sold at the end of 2019 [1]. This number includes battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) sold at the end of 2019 in South Africa as shown in Fig. 1. Of this number, 545 were BEVs and 574 were PHEVs. This means that South Africa now has a total of 1,119 electric vehicles on the road with 49% BEVs and 51% PHEVs. This number is considered very low as compared to other advanced EV markets such as China, Europe, and the United States of America (USA) [1]–[5]. BEVs have the highest market share of plug-in electric vehicles in South Africa at 49% even though it has only 3 models available in the market since its inception in 2015. The BMW i3 has shown to be the only brand that has been consistently available since the introduction of EVs in the country, hence, it has always topped the sales charts with 405 units sold at the end of 2019 [6], [7].

References

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