SA's first electric minibus taxi: Limpopo drivers test new prototype

The future of South African public transport took a silent turn in Polokwane this week. Taxi drivers affiliated with SANTACO in the Capricorn District were invited to inspect and test drive a new 15-seater electric minibus prototype.

The project is a joint effort between FlxEV and Ikamva Consulting. The developers are using these field tests to gather vital data from the people who will actually be operating the vehicles on a daily basis.

Range and Charging Capabilities

Currently, the prototype offers a driving range of between 200km and 250km on a single charge. This distance fluctuates depending on how many passengers are on board, the speed of the vehicle, and the specific road conditions of the route.

Operators can fully recharge the battery in six to eight hours. The system is designed for flexibility, allowing for charging at home, at shopping malls, or at specialized charging stations.

Building a Local Industry

While the initial model was imported from China, the vision for the project is firmly rooted in South African soil. Ikamva Consulting CEO Matsidikanye Moswane indicated that the ultimate goal is to manufacture these taxis locally.

Shifting to local production is expected to lower the purchase price and create new jobs. However, this transition depends on securing enough investment and support to build the necessary factories.

Real-World Feedback

One driver who tested the vehicle praised the smooth ride but noted a specific concern regarding the ventilation. He suggested that the closed-window design needs to be reconsidered to suit the local climate before the taxi goes into mass production.

Moswane emphasized that the vehicle is still a work in progress. The team is currently conducting a nationwide tour to ensure that the final product meets the practical needs of the South African taxi industry.

To support the rollout, plans are already being drafted to install dedicated charging infrastructure at major taxi ranks and high-traffic hubs across the country.