Eskom going electric
Eskom says its move to install electric vehicle (EV) chargers at various sites across the country is going well. The chargers have recharged nearly 3,500kWh since August 2024.
The power utility placed orders for 20 EVs in December 2024. So far, it has received three of the vehicles, and it anticipates that the remaining 17 will arrive between 28 February and 15 March 2025.
“They have mainly been used by employees and visitors until January 2025 since our first batch of EVs arrived on 21 January 2025,” said Eskom.
“We will continue to monitor the utilisation and performance of the charging stations to ensure that they meet the charging requirements of our EV fleet.”
The power utility hopes to fully electrify its fleet by 2035, with short-term goals of electrifying 10% of its vehicles in 2025/26 and 50% by 2030.
“This is dependent on the availability of vehicles that are suitable for our work applications in the local market,” it said.
“When the current internal combustion engine vehicles are due for replacement, EVs will be purchased in cases where EV equivalents are available in the local market.”
Eskom explained that its research department worked with the University of Johannesburg to develop its electrification strategy, including vehicle type and recommended deployment areas.
In August 2024, Eskom Distribution announced the launch of ten electric vehicle (EV) chargers in collaboration with GridCars.
It unveiled two charging stations at the Eskom Academy of Learning in Midrand, Gauteng, as part of its pilot project, which will see ten charging stations installed at five Eskom sites across South Africa.
The other sites include Brackenfell in Cape Town, Mkondeni in Pietermaritzburg, Tlhabane Customer Network Centre (CNC) in Rustenburg, and Marathon CNC in Mbombela.
Eskom appears to have intensified its electrification goals, shortening its deadline by five years. When it first announced the project, it said the goal was to electrify its entire fleet by 2040, but this deadline has now been moved forward to 2035.
The pilot project includes procuring 20 EVs, ranging from light delivery vehicles to trucks, for Eskom Distribution’s operations.
Eskom says its electric car chargers are state-of-the-art direct current (DC) fast chargers and dual alternating current (AC) chargers, optimally sized for charging fleet vehicles overnight and employee vehicles for workplace charging during the day.
The DC fast chargers have a maximum output of 60kW, while the AC chargers have a maximum output of just over a third of that speed.
While the initiative focuses on Eskom Distribution, it will serve as a blueprint for the rollout of EVs across Eskom’s entire fleet as part of its target to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
It said it would also contribute to stimulating the local EV market.
“We continue to focus on our long-term strategy to deliver a competitive, sustainable, and future-proof Eskom to ensure energy security, growth, and long-term sustainability for the benefit of South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa,” said Gabriel Kgabo, general manager in the office of the group executive.
“By investing in eMobility and the charging infrastructure needed for electric vehicles, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also stimulating the local economy and creating new opportunities for growth.”
Kgabo also reiterated Eskom’s support for the government to align South Africa with global EV markets.
This includes key initiatives like the EV White Paper released by the Department of Trade Industry and Competition in December 2023 and the incentives announced by the National Treasury to encourage local production of EVs.
According to GridCars, Eskom’s move has a dual purpose: in addition to providing charging infrastructure for the power utility’ fleet, it will advance research into optimising the management of South Africa’s grid and EV charging practices.
It said its “smart” EV charges prove more efficient, but will also help with balancing the stability of the national grid.
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