A multi-stakeholder initiative led by South Africa’s Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) is set to begin research into and development of the technology needed to support electric and hybrid vehicles.
The TIA confirmed yesterday the Uyilo E-Mobility programme will be hosted by the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) and includes the participation of Eskom, petrochemicals group Sasol and several car manufacturers.
The ultimate aim is to set up a national network of charging stations, able to be used by a host of different car manufacturers making them almost universally accessible.
Simphiwe Duma, TIA chief executive, said: “The launch of this programme is not only driven by the objective of developing electric vehicle technology, but is also an initiative to ensure that we can remain globally competitive.”
The NMMU will provide a testing facility for research activity, while private sector partners will provide market experience and expertise.
