South Africa stands at a pivotal juncture, facing a challenge of profound complexity: how to transition both its automotive market and productive capacity to Electric vehicles (EVs) while simultaneously achieving the objectives outlined in the South African Automotive Masterplan (SAAM).

This challenge is compounded by critical energy shortages, the imperative to decarbonise the economy, and financial constraints across South African households and the public sector. In response to these multiple challenges, this White Paper outlines a comprehensive electric vehicle roadmap for South Africa and the structure of a suite of policy interventions tailored to the automotive industry. It is a product of constructive engagement with stakeholders including within government, industry and labour to chart a viable and sustainable transition path for the industry.

Paper by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition