Everlectric Revolutionizes Electric Vehicle Scene in South Africa

Despite the sluggish progression of electric vehicle (EV) adoption in South Africa, Everlectric's CEO, Ndia Magadagela, shows unyielding spirit with a venture focused on advancing the country's EV scene. Determined to become an industry disrupter, Everlectric aims to offer full-electric commercial fleets to companies obliged to meet net-zero emissions.

Everlectric brings more to the table than just electric vehicles (EVs); the company offers a comprehensive package including a network of charging infrastructure, live monitoring, and an EV-specific insurance package. The company’s current clientele includes major corporations such as Woolworths. The plan to diversify was motivated by unique customer requirements—like a commercial EV capable of accommodating both engineers and cargo—leading to the inclusion of the Maxus T90EV, a battery-electric double-cab bakkie.

The need for EVs continues to rise around the globe. Acknowledging this global context, Magadagela comments, "We can wait for organic market growth and use our existing partnerships to reply to customer demands, or we can find immediate solutions elsewhere." Everlectric’s eagerly awaited addition to their catalogue is a four-tonne truck, supplied by the Chinese automotive manufacturer, Jianghuai Automobile Co (JAC).

The emergence of Everlectric spearheads a new business model in South Africa's automotive industry where conventional fleet selling is left to vehicle brands while startups like Everlectric champion the specialized leasing or trading of electric models.

Addressing concerns around load-shedding, Magadagela believes that comprehensive planning and efficient fleet monitoring systems can mitigate potential interruptions to electric deliveries. Despite hiatuses in electric supply, Everlectric has maintained a 100% delivery rate over the past two years.

Magadagela voiced her concerns around the local automotive industry's continued wrangling with the government to finalize policy on EVs. In order to safeguard future jobs amidst the expanding EV revolution, she asserts that a formal curriculum for EV technologies at the country's educational institutions is imminent.