{"id":23324,"date":"2026-02-04T18:23:35","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T16:23:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jhb-webdevelopers\/channelafrica\/news\/absa-tests-sas-nev-readiness-with-4-000-km-electric-vehicle-journey\/"},"modified":"2026-02-27T16:34:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T14:34:08","slug":"absa-tests-sas-nev-readiness-with-4-000-km-electric-vehicle-journey","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/news\/absa-tests-sas-nev-readiness-with-4-000-km-electric-vehicle-journey\/","title":{"rendered":"Absa tests SA\u2019s NEV readiness with 4 000 km electric\u2011vehicle journey"},"content":{"rendered":"

To test how ready the country is for wider NEV adoption, two senior Absa executives recently undertook a three\u2011day, <\/span>4 000\u2011kilometre<\/span> electric\u2011vehicle (EV) journey from Johannesburg to Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One of the Executives, Tebogo Maphothoma, who heads Operations and Enablement at Absa Vehicle Asset Finance, said the trip exposed several critical gaps in the country\u2019s EV ecosystem, including limited charging infrastructure, low consumer awareness and broader readiness challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Speaking to Channel Africa, Zinzile Gcaleka, Executive for Strategy and Customer at Absa Insurance, reflected on her experience of travelling in an EV for the first time.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gcaleka described the journey as \u201chistoric,\u201d taking place shortly before SA Auto Week, hosted in Gqeberha, the country\u2019s largest hub for vehicle production and export.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOur mission was to showcase a range of electric vehicles and to demonstrate the infrastructure that currently exists in South Africa,\u201d she said. \u201cIt was my first experience in an EV. I was highly impressed by the quiet engine and intuitive tech suite.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But she also confronted a new concept: range anxiety. <\/span>\u201cThis is the EV equivalent of watching the red fuel light come on in a petrol car and calculating where the next garage might be,\u201d Gcaleka said. \u201cFortunately, I was in a hybrid vehicle, so I had petrol backup if I ran out of range.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She said the journey opened her eyes to the <\/span>real\u2011world<\/span> challenges that early EV adopters face, particularly the lack of accessible charging points <\/span>across long\u2011distance<\/span> routes.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe made it safely to Gqeberha with many stories to tell,\u201d she said. \u201cBut the trip certainly triggered thoughts about what it will take for SA to increase adoption and properly educate consumers on electric vehicles.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Asked whether the country is prepared for a large\u2011scale transition, Gcaleka said the shift will take time and strategic planning. <\/span>\u201cAs with any transition, there is a path to readiness,\u201d she said. \u201cWe need to re\u2011educate society, upskill the workforce, rethink energy access, and prepare our skills base for what the NEV future demands.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She added that SA already has strong credentials in automotive manufacturing and could attract greater investment once supply chains and incentives for NEV production mature. <\/span>\u201cThere is confidence in SA\u2019s ability to produce vehicles at scale,\u201d she said. \u201cThat can attract investors who would support local NEV production.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Gcaleka confirmed she flew back to Johannesburg due to time constraints, noting that one <\/span>long\u2011distance<\/span> EV trip was enough for now, particularly given the gaps in charging infrastructure.<\/span> \u201cI brought back all the experience and lessons,\u201d she said. \u201cOne trip was enough, by flight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

–ChannelAfrica–<\/span><\/p>\n

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