A consortium led by GoMetro, a fleet management solutions provider, along with partners Powerfleet, HSW, ACDC Dynamics, and Stellenbosch University, has launched South Africa’s first electric minibus taxi. Named eKamva, which means “future” in Xhosa, the 15-seater minibus aims to drive the taxi industry’s shift toward electric mobility.
The eKamva comes with a range of over 200 km per charge and supports fast charging within 75 minutes using a 60 kW DC charger.
For slower overnight charging, it takes about 10 hours. According to Justin Coetzee, GoMetro’s CEO, the electric taxi cuts operating costs by 40% to 70%, depending on fuel prices and route distances.
The first charging hubs will be located at Century City and Stellenbosch taxi ranks in Cape Town, with development expected to begin within 12 months.
Coetzee highlighted the vehicle’s low-maintenance advantages, as it eliminates the need for oil filters, air filters, spark plugs, and oil changes, thus reducing the chances of mechanical failure.
“We work with existing service providers in the minibus taxi industry. The infrastructure for parts and services is already in place, and we just need to train them on the new technology and methods,” Coetzee added.
Despite the growing momentum for electric vehicles in South Africa, with the market expected to reach $93.3 million by 2024, import duties on electric taxis remain high at 40%, as they are considered luxury items.
This tax inflates the price of the eKamva to between R1.1 million ($63,413) and R1.2 million ($69,178). Coetzee emphasized that eliminating these taxes could reduce the price to R650,000–R750,000, comparable to the cost of a Toyota Quantum.