E-mobility Energy Drive launched ahead of Uyilo Summit
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), in collaboration with the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), the Uyilo e-Mobility Programme at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), and Volvo Cars South Africa, kicked off the launch of the e-Mobility Energy Drive, a landmark initiative designed to demonstrate the viability of electric vehicles (EVs) for long-distance travel in South Africa.
The Energy Drive which started over the weekend will culminate at the Uyilo e-Mobility Innovation Summit, taking place from 28 to 30 October 2025 in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. The summit is a flagship event celebrating Transport Month and showcasing South Africa's progress toward a sustainable mobility future.
A fully equipped Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Motor Ultimate will be driven from Johannesburg to Gqeberha, crossing Gauteng, Free State and the Eastern Cape. Along the route, the vehicle will collect real-world data on EV performance, charging efficiency and energy consumption, contributing to ongoing research by DSTI and SANEDI on infrastructure readiness and user experience.
"This initiative proves that clean mobility is not just a vision for the future, it is happening now," said Ms Mandy Mlilo, Acting Chief Director: Hydrogen and Energy at DSTI. "Through strategic partnerships with SANEDI, Uyilo and Volvo, we are building public confidence in electric mobility, advancing our just energy transition goals and reducing our national carbon footprint."
The Energy Drive will raise awareness around clean mobility, carrying DSTI and SANEDI branding and messaging to communities along the route. Public engagements and media stops will highlight the benefits of EVs, the expansion of public charging infrastructure and the role of innovation in transforming South Africa's transport sector. Other objectives include promoting the reliability and practicality of EVs for interprovincial travel, informing policy and infrastructure planning through the information gathered, and fostering collaboration between public institutions, universities and private sector leaders.
"The Uyilo e-Mobility Summit and this Energy Drive create a powerful platform to accelerate collaboration across government, academia and industry," said a senior representative from the Uyilo e-Mobility Programme. "As we mark Transport Month, we are proud to position South Africa as an emerging leader in the global shift toward smart, sustainable mobility."
Dr Titus Mathe, CEO of SANEDI, added: "This partnership reflects our nation's growing capacity and commitment to cleaner transportation. By aligning research, innovation and public engagement, we are driving tangible progress toward a low-carbon, energy-efficient future."
The EV will be on display throughout the summit at NMU before returning to Johannesburg to continue its awareness and data-gathering mission.
The e-Mobility Energy Drive underscores South Africa's efforts in building a resilient and sustainable transport ecosystem that supports economic growth, environmental stewardship and energy justice.
Issued by the South African National Energy Development Institute and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.
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