APA-Pretoria (South Africa) South Africa has issued a report to guide the country’s automotive industry in its transition from producing vehicles with an internal combustion engine (ICE) to the first electric vehicles (EVs) in three years, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel has announced.
Briefing the media in Pretoria on Monday, Patel said the primary goal of the White Paper was to guide the auto industry’s transition from primarily producing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to a dual platform that included EVs in the production and consumption mix, alongside ICE vehicles in South Africa, by 2035.
The White Paper, approved by the Cabinet last week, ensured the country becomes part of the global shift from ICE vehicles to new-technology vehicles (which include battery-powered electric vehicles and hybrids), he said.
According to him, the White Paper presented a comprehensive, coordinated approach to the transition to minimise the perils of an uncoordinated transition.
This drew on extensive international and domestic research and consultations — spanning from 2019 to 2023.
Patel said South Africa could see the first electric vehicles on its streets as early as 2026, and successful management of the transition was a pro-growth and pro-investment strategy.
He explained that the transition was aligned to the changing demands in export markets and the country’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gases.
“Additionally, we recognise the pivotal role the automotive industry plays in South Africa’s economy — as a major employer and a driver of economic growth,” Patel said.
NM/jn/APA