From city lights to coastal breezes: a 3-day NEV road trip across South Africa

Refilwe
Oct 10
3 min read

Although I’m not an enthusiastic early riser, there’s something magical about hitting the open road before sunrise. The excitement and thrill about what lies ahead keeps one focused on the journey yet to unfold.

I recently joined a group of people (industry experts, media, industry stakeholders) with about 20 New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) on a 3-day road trip from Johannesburg to Gqeberha. The early adopters were evidently super excited, whilst the non-converts’ excitement held some caution. naamsa themed the trip Escaping the Noise 2.0 and let me tell you, it was a true escape. The drives, a celebration of sustainable travel, were smooth and quiet, allowing us to take in the breathtakingly striking South African landscapes. Listen, South Africa is beautiful!

Day 1: Johannesburg to Colesberg – the longest stretch

Two colleagues and I kickstarted our 800km journey in the sleek Lexus RX 450h+, a plug-in hybrid that effortlessly blends luxury with eco-conscious engineering. The drive was smooth and quiet, a testament to the power of NEVs in reducing noise pollution and carbon emissions.

Our first stop at Wolmaranstad, home to the Zero Carbon Charge farm was a sight to behold. I’ve always seen charging stations at malls or at hotels but seeing them lined like that at Farm Flair was surreal. Zero Carbon Charge farm is a fully off-grid charging station, a glimpse into what sustainable travel could like in South Africa. Solar panels stretched across the property, feeding energy into the DC chargers.

Unfortunately, the Lexus needed an AC charger, which was out for repairs, so our first charging experience was tainted a bit. Curiosity led me to witness the DC charging so at least I learnt a thing or two about how charging works. I spent most of the time speaking to the farm owner, even sharing a recipe of whiskey oats – something I learnt about recently whilst out hot air-ballooning at Bill Harrops.

Enroute to our first stopover, we took in the fascinating sights of wind farms, their towering blades slicing through the sky like futuristic sculptures. These farms are more than just scenic, they’re a symbol of South Africa’s push toward renewable energy and a cleaner future.

We paused at Gariep Dam, the perfect spot to breath in silence and marvel at nature’s scale. The Karoo is beautiful, unspoiled and so peaceful… our accommodation at Merino Inn in Colesberg offered a much-needed retreat after a long day of driving.

Day 2: Colesberg to Port Alfred – a journey through the heart of the Karoo

The next morning, we swapped the Lexus for the locally produced Toyota Corolla Cross HEV, a hybrid that proved nimble and efficient for the winding roads ahead. As we cruised past Nieu Bethesda, we were mesmerised by the blooming apple trees lining the roadside, an unexpected burst of springtime beauty in the Karoo.

We rolled through Graaff-Reinet, rich in heritage and surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes and then into Makhanda (yes, we were greeted by donkeys upon arrival), where the road tested our patience with its pothole-riddled stretches. It was a reminder of the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades, not just for smoother travel, but for the safe expansion of NEV routes.

Our second night was spent at the Halyards Hotel Port Alfred, a coastal gem where the ocean breeze and laid-back vibe offered the perfect recharge.

Day 3: Port Alfred to Qgeberha – lessons and landscapes

The final leg to Qgeberha was both exhilarating and educational. Somewhere along the route, one of the vehicles got stuck due to a lack of charging knowledge, a humbling moment that ended with a tow truck rescue. It highlighted a critical issue: South Africa’s EV infrastructure is still in its infancy and awareness around charging stations, battery range and route planning is essential for NEV adoption.

Despite the hiccup, the journey ended on a high note in Qgeberha, where the ocean meets innovation. The city’s growing interest in green mobility made it a fitting finale to our road trip.

This road trip wasn’t just any road trip, it was a journey into the future of mobility. Truth is, whilst we still have a longish way to go, the journey showcased the evolving future of mobility in South Africa. The infrastructure exists and with more investments on the horizon, we are moving forward. The potholes need to be fixed though, no cap!