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Mercedes-Benz South Africa says it has made a substantial investment into electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the country as part of its efforts to advance the company's sustainability strategy for South Africa.
In a statement on Monday, MBSA said it boasts the country's most extensive range of electric vehicles, including the EQ and EQ AMG models, particularly in the SUV category.
The rollout of the charging infrastructure, at an initial investment of R15 million, will be done in partnership with Chargify, a Level 2 BBBEE company, for the installation of over 120 electric vehicle charging stations countrywide.
"Chargify is actively deploying AC and fast charging DC charging stations along the main routes, between metropolitan areas, including airports, shopping malls, restaurant hubs, private hospitals, strategic expansion sites, residential estates and small towns throughout South Africa."
EL carmaker rolls out EV charging stations https://t.co/pCi85EzGc2 @MercedesBenz_SA @OscarMabuyane @AASouthAfrica @AlgoaFM @AlgoaFMNews pic.twitter.com/ADR1lad6VU
— AlgoaFMNews (@AlgoaFMNews) November 13, 2023
MBSA's executive director for Human Resources and Corporate Affairs, Abe Kgotle, said the partnership with Chargify not only gives them the opportunity to grow the share of the local EV charging network, but also affirms the carmaker's ambition to expand its enterprise and supplier development portfolio.
"Our ESD programme is aimed at making a real and lasting impact towards the transformation of the country through the creation of sustainable and meaningful job," said Kgotle.
Meanwhile, according to Mark Raine, co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, the German marque was accelerating the pace of eMobility transformation within the automotive industry.
"Next to offering the most extensive and diverse all-electric vehicle portfolio in the market, we want to provide not only our customers but all EV drivers the luxury and peace of mind of a comprehensive charging network and with the installation of over 100 electric vehicle charging stations across South Africa fulfilling our strategic objectives of creating sustainable ecosystems in support of our all-electric strategy."
The company said there are some locations that already feature Mercedes-Benz EQ branded charging infrastructure, including BT Ngebs Mall and Mayfair Hotel in Mthatha.
