South Africa’s 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, has launched the e-Mobility Energy Drive — an initiative aimed at promoting electric vehicle (EV) adoption across the country.
The landmark campaign began over the weekend and will culminate at the Uyilo e-Mobility Innovation Summit in Gqeberha, which begins on Tuesday, 28 October 2025.
The summit, held in the Eastern Cape, serves as a flagship event celebrating Transport Month, commemorated annually in October, and highlights South Africa’s progress toward a sustainable mobility future.
As part of the initiative, a fully equipped Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Motor Ultimate is being driven from Johannesburg to Gqeberha, passing through Gauteng, the Free State, and the Eastern Cape. Along the route, the vehicle is collecting real-world data on EV performance, charging efficiency, and energy consumption. This data will contribute 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 Mandy Mlilo, Acting Chief Director for 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 aims to raise awareness about clean mobility, featuring DSTI and SANEDI branding and messaging as it travels through various communities.
Through public engagements and media events, the initiative showcases the advantages of EVs, the expansion of public charging infrastructure, and the role of innovation in transforming South Africa’s transportation sector.
The Uyilo e-Mobility Summit and Energy Drive together provide a crucial platform for collaboration between government, academia, and industry, positioning South Africa as a rising leader in the global transition toward smart and sustainable mobility.
Dr. Titus Mathe, CEO of SANEDI, emphasized:
“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 commitment to building a resilient, sustainable transport ecosystem that supports economic growth, environmental stewardship, and energy justice.
The summit concludes today Thursday, 30 October 2025.
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