25 September 2025 – South Africa’s journey toward electric mobility takes a bold step forward this week as WesBank and naamsa | The Automotive Business Council launch a ground-breaking cross-country road trip designed to silence the country’s most persistent concern about New Energy Vehicles (NEVs): range anxiety.
A 4,800-Kilometre Challenge
From 26 September, a diverse fleet of around 20 NEVs will embark on a 4,800-kilometre journey, proving that electric mobility is not just possible but practical for South African drivers. The convoy represents the full spectrum of electrified technology—Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and traditional Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)—creating a rolling showcase of the industry’s innovation and adaptability.
Three separate convoys will set off from Johannesburg, Durban, and East London, converging on Gqeberha, the host city for the 2025 SA Auto Week conference. The multi-provincial starting points are no coincidence: they reflect the diverse driving conditions and distances that define South Africa’s road network, putting the vehicles to the kind of real-world test that matters to everyday motorists.
Confronting Range Anxiety Head-On
At the heart of this epic road trip is a simple yet powerful mission—to prove that NEVs can handle South Africa’s vast distances and demanding terrain. “The market for NEVs in South Africa is growing, and there’s a clear appetite for electric mobility,” explains Lebo Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank. “This road trip is more than just a promotional event. It’s a powerful statement. We want to show South Africans that they can take on long-distance travel, even across our vast country, with an NEV. This journey will go a long way in proving that living with an NEV is both practical and possible.”
The route has been carefully mapped to challenge both vehicles and drivers. After departing their starting cities, the three convoys will meet in Colesburg for the first overnight stop. From there, they’ll push on for 436 kilometres to Port Alfred, before tackling the final 150-kilometre leg to Gqeberha. This demanding schedule is designed to test vehicle endurance while showcasing the growing availability of charging infrastructure and the reliability of hybrid solutions.
A Showcase for Sustainable Transformation
Beyond technical validation, the road trip carries a larger message of environmental responsibility. Aligning with Tourism Month’s 2025 theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” the initiative underscores how the automotive sector can remain a cornerstone of economic development while dramatically reducing its carbon footprint.
Every kilometre travelled highlights the tangible role that NEVs can play in lowering greenhouse gas emissions, supporting South Africa’s climate goals, and transforming the way travellers experience the country’s natural beauty. The trip is also an invitation for local communities and businesses along the route to engage with the concept of electric mobility, sparking conversations about the future of tourism and transport.
A Collaborative Effort Driving Change
The journey is made possible through the collaboration of leading automotive brands, whose participation sends a clear signal that South Africa’s major industry players are committed to the transition. “We are proud to partner with the automotive brands that made this trip possible,” adds Gaoaketse. “They are helping us send a clear and powerful message that the future of mobility is here, and it’s electric.”
By the time the NEV fleet arrives in Gqeberha for SA Auto Week 2025, the message will be unmistakable: electric mobility in South Africa is not a distant dream, but an achievable reality. This epic road trip is more than a test of technology—it’s a milestone on the nation’s path to a cleaner, more sustainable automotive future.
