Project Power Up – South Africa

The global shift toward electric and hybrid vehicles is accelerating, driven by climate imperatives, rapid technological progress, and supportive government policies. Countries such as Norway are leading this transformation—by 2024, nearly 90% of new car sales there were fully electric, enabled by generous incentives and a robust charging infrastructure. Meanwhile, China continues to scale up its electric vehicle (EV) market, with companies like BYD and NIO spearheading innovations in battery technology and vehicle design.

In South Africa, although the EV market is still in its early stages, significant progress is underway. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, 3,042 new energy vehicles (NEVs) were sold—a marked increase from previous years. The government has introduced a range of incentives and approved a draft white paper targeting 20% of new car sales to be electric by 2025. Complementing these efforts, private sector players such as Mercedes-Benz have invested in expanding the national charging network, including a R40 million commitment toward infrastructure development.

These combined public and private initiatives signal a growing national commitment to sustainable mobility, aligned with global trends.

Developing Skills for the EV Transition: Project Power Up

A key challenge in South Africa’s transition to NEVs is the shortage of skilled professionals capable of maintaining and repairing electric and hybrid vehicles. To address this, the Swiss South African Cooperation Initiative (SSACI), in partnership with the Guru Group of Learning (GGL), launched Project Power Up (PPU) under SIFA FC Funding Window 3, with support from the African Union Development Agency – NEPAD.

The project aims to equip Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students with the necessary competencies in NEV maintenance. It is currently being implemented at four TVET colleges: Ekurhuleni West, Tshwane North, Buffalo City, and West Coast.

A major milestone was reached on 2 June 2025 with the official inauguration of the state-of-the-art Lucas Nuelle Simulator by Thabang Matobako, South Africa Country Coordinator for SIFA FC. Aptly named E-Sondo—from the Zulu word for “wheels”—the simulator plays a vital role in modern EV training. It provides a safe, cost-effective platform where students can bridge theoretical learning with hands-on experience.

The E-Sondo simulator enables tasks such as the assembly, disassembly, diagnostics, and troubleshooting of EV systems without the hazards of working directly with high-voltage components. It can also simulate a wide range of driving conditions, better preparing students for real-world scenarios. By minimizing the need for expensive physical vehicles, simulators like E-Sondo make EV training more accessible and scalable, ensuring a pipeline of skilled technicians ready to support South Africa’s transition to a greener automotive future.

As the global shift from internal combustion engines to hybrid and electric vehicles accelerates, South Africa must lead with a Just Energy Transition that leaves no one behind.

Through Project Power, we’re investing in the future — training TVET students with backgrounds in diesel mechanics, automotive repair, and auto-electrics, and equipping them with cutting-edge digital and technical skills to thrive in the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) era.

Together, we’re powering up the next generation of talent for a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive transport economy.

#Just EnergyTransition #ElectricVehicles #SkillsDevelopment #ProjectPower Up #TVET #GreenEconomy #FutureOfWork #NEVs #SouthAfrica