The SA motoring sector faces a substantial impact from the transition to electric vehicles.

VAAL TRIANGLE - Trade and Industry minister Ebrahim Patel acknowledges the growing demand for lower or zero-emission vehicles as the world intensifies efforts to combat climate change. During a media briefing on the Electric Vehicles Roadmap, Patel notes a significant shift in the automotive industry driven by the urgent need to decarbonise the global economy. He highlights the increasing consumer demand for electric vehicles and attributes the global surge in adoption to government incentives, including tax breaks, encouraging the transition to cleaner and more sustainable transportation options.

Furthermore, the South African motoring sector faces a substantial impact from the transition to electric vehicles, posing challenges for the country. The country stands as Africa’s largest producer and exporter of motor vehicles to 150 countries including the European Union. Patel says the EU’s systematic phasing out of internal combustion engine cars creates a crisis for South Africa, emphasising the need for strategic planning and adaptation within the automotive industry to align with global shifts toward electric mobility.