KEY POINTS
- Eskom launched its first fleet of 20 electric vehicles, with 100 more on the way.
- The company plans to electrify its distribution fleet by 2035 and entire fleet by 2040.
- A nationwide rollout of 55 charging stations and grid readiness measures is planned to support e-mobility adoption.
South Africa’s state-owned power utility, Eskom, has unveiled its first fleet of electric vehicles, marking a symbolic step in its transition from one of the continent’s biggest polluters to a player in clean mobility.
At a launch event Tuesday, Eskom showcased 20 EVs — a mix of light delivery vehicles and trucks — that will be deployed across its distribution and generation divisions. Acting distribution head Agnes Mlambo called the initiative a “reimagining of the energy landscape” as the company seeks to cut emissions while demonstrating that e-mobility is viable in a country still heavily reliant on coal.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured test drives and technical demonstrations underscoring the advantages of EV adoption, including lower operating costs, reduced emissions, and improved efficiency. The fleet expansion follows the installation of 10 charging stations across five Eskom sites in 2024, designed to support the gradual rollout of electric transport.
Charging Network, Grid Readiness, and Long-Term Targets
Eskom’s long-term ambition is to electrify its entire fleet by 2040, with the distribution division — which operates the largest number of vehicles — set to achieve full electrification by 2035. To meet this goal, the company plans to expand charging points at its facilities and install 55 public charging stations nationwide over the next two years, creating the backbone of South Africa’s EV ecosystem.
Chief executive Dan Marokane said Eskom’s vision goes beyond replacing internal combustion vehicles: “We see ourselves as more than just an electricity provider — we are enablers of progress. Through e-mobility, we are cutting emissions, boosting innovation, and driving community benefits.”
The utility is also working on grid readiness measures, including EV load forecasting, smart charging systems, and time-of-use tariffs aimed at keeping ownership costs manageable. Eskom has been in talks since 2021 with government agencies, automakers, oil companies, and researchers to craft a broad e-mobility framework for South Africa.
While Eskom continues to battle frequent blackouts and public frustration over unreliable supply, the EV project is being positioned as part of its broader climate and innovation agenda. The initiative, company executives argue, will help diversify revenue streams, create new jobs, and signal to investors and the public that the utility can still drive forward-looking change.
