Power utility Eskom's inconsistent electricity supply poses a threat to the growth of the electric vehicle market in South Africa, with motorists hesitant to purchase EVs.
While SA is leading other African countries in EV adoption, in comparison to other emerging markets like India and Mexico, the country is falling behind. Over the past few years, SA has repeatedly been plunged into darkness due to Eskom not being able to meet electricity demand – most recently escalating the load-shedding schedule to stage six.
Governments across the globe have been increasingly introducing policies or strengthening existing policies to ensure an uptake in EV purchases, in efforts to reduce carbon emissions.EV market. The country has long been hailed as a leader in the race to adopt electric cars, largely attributed to the many incentives and tax benefits for EV owners. Almost 65% of new passenger cars sold in Norway in 2021 were electric and 22% were plug-in hybrids, according to Time Magazine.