NEWLY converted electric vehicles will soon be deployed in Port Elizabeth’s CBD to assist with by-law enforcement.
The deployment comes as part of the Mandela Bay Development Agency’s (MBDA) e-Mobility Technology Innovation Programme (EMTIP), to introduce and promote the concept of electro-Mobility.
This is in collaboration with the uYilo eMobility programme, based at the Nelson Mandela University, to effectively support the movement of MBDA town rangers.
According to MBDA spokesperson, Luvuyo Bangazi, these newly converted electric vehicles have a range of 60km when fully charged.
“They are licensed and will be deployed in the CBD to support MBDA Town Rangers in by-law enforcement and informal trading regulation. Citizens better watch out because these vehicles move quietly, and they might just sneak up on unsuspecting would be by-law infringers,” Bangazi said.
The introduction of e-Mobility into the MBDA was achieved through the conversion of the agency’s two tuk-tuks, which have been modified and converted to battery powered units with solar panel augmentation.
The conversion entailed matching the performance of the tuk-tuks’ combustion configuration, making them compliant for on-road usage.
BANGAZI added, “Our focus and approach involve partnering with strategic stakeholders to solve future problems, the same as we did with the new generation composites materials used in the construction of the Baakens pedestrian bridge. e-Mobility offers a comprehensive ecosystem of products and services generated within Nelson Mandela Bay.
“It is about leveraging locally engineered technology and innovation,” he said.
The term ‘eMobility’ refers to alternative electric based modes of transportation designed to shift vehicle design away from the use of fossil fuels and carbon gas emissions.
As such, the MBDA has had to develop innovative ways and measures of going green, while paying special attention to future perspective.
“The MBDA as a special purpose vehicle of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has the responsibility to work with partners towards stimulating economic growth.
“We do this by collaborating with partners to champion innovative projects that support the Bay’s position as the headquarters of the automotive sector and positioning the Bay at the cutting edge of innovation,” Bangazi explained.
The national uYilo eMobility Programme was established in 2013 as an initiative of the Technology Innovation Agency to enable, facilitate and mobilise electric mobility in South Africa.
Bangazi said, “The future role of e-Mobility is also the promotion of sustainable eco-tourism for locals and visitors by connecting sites of natural and cultural value using electric vehicles. The vehicles of the future target zero carbon emissions and a reduction in pollution. In future, e-Mobility will become the norm just as e-mail has surpassed postage.”
