South Africa Launches eKamva Electric Minibus for Public Transport
TLDR
- GoMetro consortium launches eKamva electric minibus taxi to modernize South Africa's minibus taxi sector.
- Partnership includes flx EV, Powerfleet, HSW, ACDC Dynamics, and Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Engineering.
- Taxi owners can join waiting list for eKamva, with flx EV developing charging hubs across South Africa for efficient fleet management.
A consortium led by South African transport tech company GoMetro has launched the eKamva, an electric minibus taxi designed to modernize and electrify the country’s popular minibus taxi sector.
The partnership, which includes flx EV, Powerfleet, HSW, ACDC Dynamics, and Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Engineering, began in 2023 to assess the feasibility of electric minibuses on traditional South African taxi routes. Extensive testing has taken place in Stellenbosch, where the eKamva was trialed on established routes.
Taxi owners will soon be able to join a waiting list for the eKamva, and flx EV is developing charging hubs across South Africa, with the first set to open in Century City and Stellenbosch over the next year. The flx EV app will enable fleet management, including vehicle status tracking and recharging prepayments, with drivers directed to the nearest hub for charging.
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Key Takeaways
The eKamva launch signifies a significant step toward sustainable public transport in South Africa, integrating electric vehicle technology into a sector that plays a crucial role in daily commuting. The eKamva initiative, bolstered by partnerships with tech and academic institutions, aims to reduce emissions and operational costs while supporting the local economy. The electrification of minibus taxis could stimulate a new economic sector within South Africa's automotive industry. As electric charging infrastructure expands, the eKamva project demonstrates the potential of sustainable transportation solutions tailored to meet local needs.
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