The initiative bypasses the government, which promised in 2012 that 50 fast-charging points would be installed for electric vehicles, mainly around Gauteng. That failed to materialise as stakeholders, including Eskom, suppliers and automotive companies, could not decide who would be responsible for the infrastructure and its cost.
Although the government discourages motorists from buying electric vehicles as they attract an additional 25% duty when imported from Europe, BMW and Nissan hope to remedy the situation with their collaboration on public charging locations. Neither would disclose the investment required.
"A key imperative of our strategy is to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is rolled out to help increase consumer confidence in the viability of electric vehicles," said MD of BMW SA Tim Abbott.
"We believe that for the introduction and expansion of electric vehicles, as well as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, to be successful in this market, we need to work together. Our partnership with Nissan is the first step towards that."
The first charging hub is likely to be in Cape Town and plans for more will be extended to other major urban centres. A joint task team will work with property developers and shopping centres.
Nissan was the first major manufacturer to introduce an electric vehicle when it launched its Leaf in 2010. The introduction last year of BMW's i3 and i8 added to the impetus but the lack of infrastructure is a major barrier for those who might consider buying the vehicles.
Infrastructure is vital because electric cars have a limited range compared to petrol, diesel and hybrids. It is possible to install a fast charger at a home or business premises costing upwards of R30,000 but without public charging points, "range anxiety" becomes a factor.
Fast chargers would require a major refurbishment of the grid, Amal Khatri, chief adviser for research and operations at Eskom, said at SA Automotive Week in October last year.
"To achieve smart charging, you have to have a smart grid," he said. But SA does not have that.
Source: Business Day
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