Eskom Partners with BYD to Expand South Africa’s EV Charging Infrastructure

Eskom has taken another decisive step toward cleaner mobility by signing a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with BYD Auto South Africa. The agreement follows closely on the heels of Eskom’s rollout of its first electric vehicle (EV) fleet earlier this month and is being hailed as a bold stride in expanding the country’s EV ecosystem.

Building on Eskom’s EV Fleet Rollout

On 9 September 2025, Eskom officially introduced its first electric fleet vehicles, marking a significant milestone in the state utility’s transition to greener operations. The latest partnership with BYD now extends that commitment beyond internal operations, with a focus on building national EV charging infrastructure to accelerate widespread adoption.

Agnes Mlambo, Eskom’s Group Executive for Distribution, said the initiative reflects Eskom’s dual mission of ensuring reliable energy supply while preparing for a cleaner future. “Having successfully rolled out EVs within our fleet, we are ready to enable wider adoption by bringing practical and accessible charging infrastructure to South Africans,” Mlambo stated.

What the MoC Entails

The Memorandum of Cooperation is designed to create a framework for collaboration that strengthens South Africa’s EV ecosystem. Among the key areas of focus are:

• Supporting national decarbonisation goals: Contributing to South Africa’s climate commitments by reducing emissions from the transport sector.

• Charging infrastructure expansion: Exploring opportunities to roll out charging stations in strategic locations across the country, ensuring convenience for future EV users.

• Local economic participation: Promoting skills development, supporting small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), and creating jobs in the EV and green energy industries.

• Future innovation: Investigating the development of renewable-powered ultra-fast charging hubs, battery recycling and repurposing for energy storage, and integrating EVs into Eskom’s demand-side management strategies to stabilise the national grid.

Why This Partnership Matters

South Africa has been slow to adopt EVs compared to global trends, with challenges ranging from high upfront costs to limited charging networks. By partnering with BYD—a global leader in electric vehicles—Eskom aims to address these barriers and position South Africa as an EV-friendly hub.

The Dolphin Surf EV, highlighted in the agreement, is expected to be one of the key models available to South African consumers. With Eskom’s backing on infrastructure development, potential buyers may be more confident in transitioning to electric mobility.

Towards a Cleaner, Smarter Energy Future

Eskom emphasised that the partnership aligns with its long-term strategy to embrace renewable energy, smart technologies, and innovative solutions that meet both present and future energy needs. “Eskom remains committed to delivering reliable energy today, while executing its business strategy of shaping a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive energy future for generations to come,” the utility said in a statement.

The collaboration is expected to boost confidence in South Africa’s EV landscape, attracting further investment and stimulating new industries around sustainable transport. As the country grapples with balancing energy security and environmental goals, initiatives like this one may prove pivotal in accelerating South Africa’s clean energy transition.