Cape Town - Electric vehicles are the future after power utility Eskom and Golden Arrow Bus Service (Gabs) signed a Memorandum of Co-operation that paves the way for innovative technologies to enhance the efficiency and reliability of public transportation.
The strategic alliance aims to drive the installation of charging stations and the development of electric vehicles in the Cape metropole.
As per the memorandum, Eskom and Gabs will work together on the electric vehicle initiative, which includes the development of electric vehicle infrastructure and the integration of renewable energy sources for public transportation.
Mbulelo Yedwa, general manager of Eskom Distribution’s Cape coastal cluster, said they were excited over the recently established partnership.
“I firmly believe this will further give a push to Eskom’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050 while also giving impetus to the government’s commitment to the Department of Transport’s green energy strategy,” Yedwa said.
Eskom and Gabs will also work on a co-operative partnership to boost the electric vehicle market in South Africa.
Partnerships throughout the value chain are necessary for the effective introduction of electric buses, according to Francois Meyer, CEO of Golden Arrow.
“By working together, we can pave the way for a greener future and revolutionise the local public transport sector,” Meyer said.
In July, Gabs revealed it had reached a purchase agreement for 120 electric buses with a bus manufacturer.
At the time, the bus company said it had completed four years of testing and had confirmed its first bulk order of buses from electric vehicle manufacturer, BYD. Gabs began its journey toward renewable energy in 2017 when it installed two 25kWp solar plants as part of a pilot programme.
According to Gabs, the deliveries are expected to begin later this year, and by December 2025, all buses should be in service.
byron.lukas@inl.co.za
Cape Argus