Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned electricity supplier, has announced a strategic partnership with Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) to develop electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Cape Town. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to embrace electric public transportation, as GABS plans to introduce the first fleet of electric buses in South Africa. The partnership is formalized through a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) between the two entities, laying the groundwork for extensive engagement and development in the electric vehicle sector.
Golden Arrow Bus Services, a well-established public transportation company, recently revealed its plan to acquire 120 electric buses before the year’s end. This move represents a major shift towards sustainable transportation, aligning with global trends to reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. The introduction of these electric buses is expected to transform public transportation in Cape Town, providing a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional diesel-powered buses.
GABS CEO Francois Meyer emphasized the importance of collaboration in successfully implementing this ambitious project. He noted that transitioning to electric buses on a large scale requires coordinated efforts across the entire value chain. “Introducing electric buses at scale requires partnerships between large electricity generators, distributors, and users. This MOC will enable us to work together to provide a public bus service that is safe, reliable, and cost-effective,” Meyer stated. This collaboration is not only a business endeavor but also a commitment to a sustainable and environmentally friendly future for South Africa.
One of the key elements of this partnership is the gradual replacement of Golden Arrow’s current fleet with electric vehicles. GABS has committed to replacing 10% of its more than 1,100-strong bus fleet with electric buses by the end of 2025. This transition will serve as a pilot program to gather data and insights that will be crucial for the broader rollout of electric buses in the future. The data collected from this initiative is the first of its kind in South Africa, providing valuable information that can guide the expansion of electric mobility across the country.
Golden Arrow has highlighted the significance of this data, stating that sharing it with other stakeholders will empower them to make informed decisions regarding the future of electric mobility in the public transport sector. This collaborative approach ensures that the benefits of the MOC extend beyond Eskom and Golden Arrow, potentially influencing the entire South African public transport system. The insights gained from this project could pave the way for other cities in South Africa to adopt similar initiatives, further advancing the nation’s journey towards a sustainable transportation network.
Eskom, on its part, views this collaboration as a major advancement towards a sustainable and eco-friendly future. The utility company has been under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and embrace renewable energy sources, and this partnership with Golden Arrow represents a tangible step in that direction. By supporting the development of electric vehicle infrastructure, Eskom aims to boost the efficiency and reliability of electric public transportation in Cape Town and, eventually, throughout South Africa.
