08 Oct 2024

Botswana is moving closer to becoming an electronic mobility hub with the launch of the first batch of locally assembled electric vehicles at the Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI) eMobility assembly center on Monday.

As nations worldwide contend with congestion, pollution, and deteriorating air quality caused by an influx of older imported vehicles, Botswana is committed to playing its part in reducing transport-related atmospheric pollution.

Boasting rich deposits of energy transition minerals essential for powering eMobility vehicles, Botswana is entering the automotive industry to accelerate the production of eco-friendly transportation solutions.

The semi-automated BITRI plant is initially set to produce three vehicles per day, with plans to scale up production over time.

During a tour of the assembly plant, the Minister of Communication, Knowledge, and Technology, Mr Thulagano Segokgo, described the eMobility project as a visionary initiative designed to transform Botswana’s transportation landscape and bolster the nation’s economic status.

“The completion of the first batch of eMobility vehicles marks a pivotal moment in Botswana’s journey toward a sustainable future,” stated Mr Segokgo. “As we navigate the challenges posed by climate change and urbanisation, it is essential that we embrace innovative solutions. The eMobility programme stands at the forefront of this transformation, offering the country a chance to reduce its carbon footprint.”
Mr Segokgo emphasised that the eMobility initiative aimed to ensure that all citizens had access to clean and affordable transportation. He noted that by investing in eMobility and sustainable energy sources,  government was laying the groundwork for a greener and smarter Botswana.

The initiative aligns with the national vision to foster economic growth and job creation by developing a new economic sector.

In an interview, BITRI project electric engineer Dr Patrick Sebudubudu explained that the project would operate on a semi knockdown basis, where key components  were partially assembled before final assembly in Botswana.

“The eMobility programme will be implemented in three phases,  the  first phase focuses on capacity building, the second on retrofitting, and the third will establish an assembly plant to scale-up electric mobility by engaging the private sector,” Dr Sebudubudu said.

Currently, he said the programme was  at the semi knockdown stage, with aspirations to shift to a complete knockdown process, thereby building local and regional value chain linkages in the near future.

The locally assembled SUVs are powered by a 150-kilowatt electric motor, delivering a peak torque of 320 Newton meters and a travel range of approximately 520 kilometers on a full charge.

He said Town buses could  cover a maximum distance of 250 kilometers.

Dr Sebudubudu noted that the SUVs could be fully charged from zero to full capacity in just 20 minutes using fast-charging systems.

Furthermore, he said intellectual property rights have been secured from two Chinese-based companies, Skywell, which specialises in producing SUVs, and CHTC, which manufactures buses, to enhance the assembly capabilities in Botswana.

He said the  programme would significantly contribute to economic growth and job creation once fully operational. ENDS