Electric vehicle importer to start building car batteries in South Africa

Enviro Automotive, the importer and distributor of electric vehicles (EV) built by China’s Dongfeng Sokon Automobiles (DFSK), recently announced that it will start producing battery packs in South Africa in an effort to reduce acquisition costs and pricing while also increasing sustainability.

Upon signing its distributor contract with DFSK in 2019, the company immediately launched investigations to “determine the feasibility of a local assembly programme to create additional value for its customers,” said Gawie Brink, technical director of Enviro Automotive and founder of Solar Europe.

In partnership with Solar Europe, an importer of EV charging infrastructure, Enviro Automotive decided to kickstart its local assembly programme by producing battery packs for its own models while simultaneously offering supply and maintenance services to other vehicle manufacturers offering EV products locally.

“We have fully equipped workshops and production lines that will now be shared with Enviro Automotive,” said Solar Europe’s Brink. “We also have technicians trained in mechanics and electronics, an excellent skillset in the growing electric vehicle market.”

However, Enviro Automotive is yet to reveal when production will commence and said it will announce more details on its local battery assembly programme next year.

What’s on offer

Currently, Enviro Automotive imports the EC31 one-tonne bakkie as well as the EC35 panel van to the domestic market, both of which are aimed at commercial customers with last-mile delivery operations.

The EVs share a platform and differ in body shape alone, both driven by a 38.6kWh battery module that powers an electric motor capable of a peak output of 60kW and 200Nm, allowing each model to boast a one-tonne load capacity.

The drivetrain further affords a maximum range of 280km and is capable of replenishing 100% of charge in 90 minutes with a 40kW DC current.

In-cabin features on both offerings then include manual airconditioning, electric windows, automatic headlights and wipers, a reverse camera with parking sensors, central locking, and a 6.8-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Both models carry a 5-year/60,000km manufacturer warranty, a 3-year/60,000km service plan, and a 5-year/120,000km battery warranty.