- Sector : Urban Development Solutions
- Location : South Africa
Overview
FlxEV is developing an integrated electric mobility solution for South Africa’s minibus taxi sector, combining electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and renewable energy procurement strategies to support a scalable transition toward low-carbon transport. Supported by technical assistance from the Subnational Climate Fund, the project seeks to address critical barriers to deployment while building a commercially viable model capable of attracting future investment.
The Challenge
South Africa’s minibus taxi industry provides essential mobility services to millions of passengers every day. However, the sector remains heavily reliant on diesel-powered vehicles, resulting in significant greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, fuel expenditure, and exposure to energy price volatility.
At the same time, large-scale electrification faces several challenges:
- Limited charging infrastructure.
- Concerns regarding energy reliability.
- Uncertainty around renewable energy sourcing.
- Financing constraints for operators.
- Regulatory approval requirements.
- Limited evidence regarding operator adoption and market readiness.
Addressing these barriers is essential to unlock the environmental, economic, and social benefits of electric mobility.
SCF’s Involvement – Technical Assistance
SCF supported a pre-feasibility study designed to assess how FlxEV could maximize climate impact while ensuring reliable and financially viable energy supply for charging operations.
The study included:
- Renewable energy supplier mapping.
- Assessment of renewable energy procurement options.
- Evaluation of charging infrastructure strategies.
- Financial viability analysis.
- Climate impact assessment.
Key Findings
The study confirmed that the project is technically feasible. Renewable energy procurement through electricity traders and virtual power pools provides a viable pathway for clean energy supply. Solar and battery storage solutions can improve resilience and reliability. The project addresses a substantial market opportunity and electric mobility offers attractive long-term operating economics. The project could generate significant emissions reductions and air-quality improvements and a phased deployment strategy can substantially reduce investment risk.
Phase 2: Feasibility Study (Approved)
Building on these findings, SCF has approved a 10-month feasibility study focused on validating market readiness and strengthening the foundations for commercial deployment. The study will include:
Market Engagement
Engagement with national and regional taxi leadership to build industry support and identify adoption barriers.
Taxi Association Assessments
Evaluation of operational readiness, financing constraints, and stakeholder dynamics at association level.
Focus Groups and Demonstrations
Collection of operator feedback regarding vehicle performance, charging solutions, commercial viability, and adoption considerations.
Regulatory Assessment
Clarification of vehicle and infrastructure approval pathways and engagement with relevant authorities.
Stakeholder Communications
Development of engagement strategies designed to strengthen confidence among operators, communities, regulators, and investors.
The technical assistance programme is systematically addressing key questions commonly raised during investor due diligence. Through this phased approach, SCF is helping FlxEV move from technical validation toward commercial readiness, creating the conditions required for future investment and large-scale deployment of electric mobility infrastructure in South Africa.
Our Target Impact
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SDG 5 Gender Equality
The company promotes gender equity by empowering women to participate in the MBT sector and ensuring safer commuting for women and children
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SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
Operational savings of 40-70% from e-MBTs enhance the profitability of the MBT sector, addressing high fuel costs that currently inflate fares
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SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
The company aims to create a zero-emission urban transport system by building charging facilities in key cities and collaborating with local stakeholders for effective EV integration
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SDG 13 Climate Action
A single internal combustion engine (ICE) MBT emits approximately 54.2 kg of CO2 daily. With 250,000 MBTs nationwide, this totals 13.5 million kg of CO2 emissions per day. e-MBTs, as such, produce zero tailpipe emissions
