Eastern Cape
Electric Vehicle Road Trip
The global automotive landscape is undergoing a profound shift, driven by massive technological advancements. In response, the Eastern Cape Province is positioning itself as a gateway to Africa, with the Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape (AIDC-EC) playing a pivotal role.
As part of its commitment to fostering a strategic location and business-friendly environment, the AIDC-EC has launched a multi-phased initiative to support the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and promote beneficiation in the region.
Summary
The AIDC-EC decided to test the capabilities of the recently installed electric vehicle infrastructure across the province by embarking on the first ever Eastern Cape Electric Vehicle Road Trip (EC EVRT) since installing public owned electric vehicle charging stations across the province.
The strategic placement of the chargers aims to link the Eastern Cape to the Western Cape, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal.
Key strategic sites visited on this road trip include the Coastal Route, Frontier Country Route and the Karoo Heartland Route.
The Eastern Cape EVRT was supported by BYD South Africa, OMODA South Africa, Chery South Africa, Volkswagen Group Africa, and Volvo Car South Africa.
Coastal Route
Exploring the Coastal Route, the team made their way to Port Alfred, where the AIDC-EC’s EV charger is hosted at the Royal St Andrews Hotel. This seaside town, named after Prince Alfred following his royal visit in the 1860s, has long been a beacon of colonial maritime history.
Departing from Port Alfred, the team made their way eastward to kuGompo City - home to one of South Africa’s river ports, located at the mouth of the Buffalo River.
Since the mid-19th century, this port has played a critical role in regional trade - facilitating the export of goods like wool, hides, and later automobiles. The Port of kuGompo City remains vital for imports and exports, particularly for the automotive sector-where the second EV charger stands at Virgin Active on Esplanade, launched in May 2024.
Frontier Country Route
Meanwhile, taking into the Frontier Country-inland, the second team journeyed to the historic town of Makhanda.
Home to Rhodes University and known for its pivotal role in South Africa’s academic and cultural life, and the home of the oldest arts festival in Africa - the National Arts Festival.
Makhanda now hosts one of AIDC-EC’s EV charging units - a fusion of heritage and future-focused technology.
Karoo Heartland Route
Simultaneously, into the Karoo Heartland, another team ventured into Storms River, a village cradled within the lush Tsitsikamma forest. Established in the late 1800s as a hub for timber and rail workers, today it stands as a symbol of eco-tourism and sustainability.
Just minutes from Storms River lies the Bloukrans Bridge, the highest commercially operated bungee jump in the world, standing at a breathtaking 216 metres above the Bloukrans River gorge.
Since opening in 1997, thrill-seekers from around the globe have descended upon this marvel, turning the area into a hotspot for adventure tourism. Here, the AIDC-EC’s charger is strategically positioned at Tsitsikhaya Lodge, bridging our province’s natural legacy with our electric vision.
Public Charger Locations
The AIDC-EC is not just driving electric vehicles - it is driving a movement.
Number
Town
Details
1
kuGompo City
Quigney at Virgin Active (150kW)
2
Libode
Dan's Country Lodge (150KW)
3
Storms Rivier
Tsitsikhaya Lodge (47KW)
4
Gqeberha
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (150KW)
5
Komani
Queens Casino and Hotel (150kW)
6
Port Alfred
Royal St Andrews (47kW)
7
Port St Johns
Silaka Nature Reserve (150kW)
8
Makhanda
Rhodes University (150kW)
9
Maletswai
Limakatso Boutique Hotel (47kW)
10
Willowmore
Zaaymans Engen Garage (47kW)
11
Middelburg
Nguni Country Lodge (150kW)
12
Nxuba
Tams Spar (150kW)
13
Steve Biko Town
Pick 'n Pay Family (150kW)
14
Gcuwa
Ibika Shell Ultra City (150kW)
15
The Windfarm
Behind the Windfarm Petrol Station (150kW)