Annual sales of electric cars across the globe topped 6,7 million in 2021, more than double the three million achieved in 2020. Nearly 9% of all new cars sold were electric. Growth drivers include government incentives and legislation, better charging-point infrastructure, increased driving range, fast charging and compelling new products from carmakers.
Given the current electricity supply woes, perennial economic uncertainty and the already high prices of electric cars, South Africa simply cannot entertain mandating EV production and sales in the way Europe, China and, to a lesser extent, the United States have. That said, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is still a global responsibility, one that developing countries cannot ignore, no matter how low it ranks on their respective list of immediate needs. For South Africa, this means…
