South Africa is moving closer to a cleaner and more modern public transport system with the introduction of the eKamva,
South Africa is moving closer to a cleaner and more modern public transport system with the introduction of the eKamva, the country’s first fully electric 15-seater minibus taxi.Developed by the GoMetro consortium, the eKamva is designed to replace traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) taxis while helping to reduce emissions across South Africa’s massive public transport sector, estimated to be worth around R90 billion.Rather than simply introducing an electric vehicle, the consortium has developed a complete electric mobility ecosystem tailored to the needs of local taxi operators.
At the centre of the system is the flx EV Ecosystem, a fleet management platform that enables vehicle tracking, smart charging, power purchasing and digital passenger payments.
The project also includes strategically positioned charging hubs near major taxi ranks. Initial infrastructure is planned for locations including Century City and Stellenbosch, making use of the approximately three-hour period when minibuses are typically parked between the morning and afternoon peak periods.The eKamva is also equipped with modern safety technology, including AI-powered telematics cameras, speed-control systems and blind-spot detection, aimed at improving safety for drivers, passengers and other road users.
Environmentally, each eKamva is expected to eliminate approximately 13.7 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, while also helping reduce harmful particulate pollution in urban areas.The introduction of the eKamva represents a significant step towards electrifying South Africa’s iconic minibus taxi industry, potentially combining cleaner transport with modern technology and improved operational efficiency.
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