Eskom Partners With BYD to Expand EV Charging Network as Loadshedding Remains Suspended
Eskom has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD Auto South Africa, aiming to expand public charging infrastructure and support the introduction of more affordable electric vehicles to the South African market.
The agreement, signed on September 16, comes as South Africa approaches the milestone of 300 consecutive days without loadshedding, providing the stability needed for electric vehicle adoption to gain momentum.
From Internal Fleet to Public Infrastructure
The utility has been testing electric mobility within its own operations, having deployed 20 electric vehicles and 10 charging stations for internal use just last week. According to Agnes Mlambo, Eskom's acting Group Executive for Distribution, this experience has positioned the company to now expand its focus to public charging solutions.
"Having successfully rolled out EVs within our fleet on 9 September 2025, we are ready to enable wider adoption by bringing practical and accessible charging infrastructure to South Africans," Mlambo stated in the announcement.
Focus on Affordable Electric Mobility
Central to the partnership is support for BYD's launch of the Dolphin Surf, described as a compact, affordable electric vehicle aimed at making clean transportation more accessible to everyday South Africans.
The partnership highlights the potential cost savings of electric vehicles, noting that electricity remains significantly cheaper than petrol or diesel as a transportation fuel, even with recent electricity tariff increases.
Scope of the Partnership
According to the statement, the collaboration between Eskom and BYD will explore several key areas:
- Supporting South Africa's transport decarbonization goals
- Expanding public charging infrastructure nationwide
- Creating opportunities for skills development and SMME participation in the EV sector
- Potential job creation within the growing electric vehicle ecosystem
Future discussions may also consider more advanced applications, including renewable-powered fast-charging stations and the repurposing of used EV batteries for energy storage applications.
Outlook: Electric Vehicles and Grid Stability
The timing of this partnership appears strategic, coming after South Africa has experienced its longest period without loadshedding in recent history. The sustained grid stability since March 2024 provides a more conducive environment for electric vehicle adoption, which requires reliable electricity supply.
However, the statement makes no specific mention of how increased EV charging demand might affect the grid, particularly during peak hours. While Eskom mentions the potential integration of EVs into demand-side management strategies, no concrete plans were shared regarding how charging patterns would be managed to prevent additional strain on the system.
With the power system's Energy Availability Factor (EAF) currently at 56.36% (down from 58.05% earlier this year), any significant increase in electricity demand will need careful management to maintain the current stability.
Key Terms Explained
Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC): A formal agreement between organizations signaling intent to work together on specific initiatives, usually preceding more detailed contractual arrangements.
Demand-side management: Strategies that influence electricity consumption patterns to better match available supply, often through incentives for off-peak usage or controlled reduction during high-demand periods.
Energy Availability Factor (EAF): The percentage of maximum energy generation that a power station or system can supply, accounting for planned maintenance and breakdowns. Higher percentages indicate better performance.
Decarbonization: The process of reducing carbon emissions, particularly by transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources.
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