e-Mobility Summit Spotlights EV Innovation and Battery Value Chain Development

The uYilo e-Mobility Programme, an initiative launched in 2013 by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), is focused on facilitating the growth of electric mobility in South Africa.

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) is actively participating in the e-Mobility Summit organized by uYilo, an event aligned with Transport Month to explore and advance South Africa's electric mobility sector. The summit, which runs from 29 to 31 October 2024 at Nelson Mandela University, brings together electric vehicle (EV) experts, industry leaders, and policymakers to share knowledge, display innovations, and discuss future strategies for South Africa’s EV landscape.

The uYilo e-Mobility Programme, an initiative launched in 2013 by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), is focused on facilitating the growth of electric mobility in South Africa. By providing a collaborative platform, uYilo enables critical industry conversations, showcases the latest EV models, and fosters partnerships across the EV and battery manufacturing value chain.

Preparing South Africa for a Surge in Electric Vehicle Sales

With global EV sales topping 17 million units in 2024—more than 20% of all cars sold—the urgency to establish a strong domestic value chain for lithium-ion batteries is more pressing than ever. As the popularity of electric vehicles continues to rise, the demand for reliable, efficient battery technology has soared, making battery development a core focus for South Africa’s automotive and energy sectors.

Recognizing this, the DSTI established the Energy Storage Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) initiative, a consortium dedicated to creating a robust lithium-ion battery supply chain for both the EV and energy storage markets. The initiative encompasses research and development across mining, beneficiation, precursor materials, cell and battery manufacturing, validation, recycling, and product commercialization.

Consortium to Drive Lithium-Ion Battery Innovation

The RDI consortium unites notable institutions, including the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Universities of the Western Cape, Limpopo, and Witwatersrand, Nelson Mandela University, South African Nuclear Energy Corporation, and Mintek. This collaboration strengthens South Africa’s position in the EV value chain by focusing on domestic resource utilization and technical expertise to enhance the entire lifecycle of lithium-ion batteries, from material sourcing to end-of-life recycling.

uYilo: Fostering Industry Creation in South Africa

The word uYilo, meaning "to create" in Xhosa, reflects the programme's mission of building a self-sustaining EV and battery industry in South Africa. With the summit's theme, “Enhancing the e-Mobility Value Chain for Sustainable Development in South Africa”, discussions are expected to touch on the broader socioeconomic impact of EV adoption, including job creation, sustainable mining practices, and environmental stewardship.

Paving the Way for a Sustainable e-Mobility Future

South Africa’s commitment to developing a full-fledged EV ecosystem is a strategic response to the global green energy shift. By supporting the mining, manufacturing, and recycling of battery materials, South Africa aims to build a circular economy around electric vehicles. The summit represents a crucial step in mobilizing South Africa's resources and expertise to create an electric mobility future that is both locally rooted and globally competitive.

As part of Transport Month, the 2024 e-Mobility Summit reinforces South Africa's commitment to sustainable development through technological advancement, positioning the country as a leader in Africa’s EV transition. The event’s culmination will likely yield actionable insights and collaborations that drive the growth of the local EV industry and strengthen South Africa’s role in the global e-mobility landscape.