By Everson Luhanga
The metered taxi industry has taken a leap into the future with the launch of a massive electric car project in Midrand on Tuesday. The cars they will use will have a reach of 420 kilometres when fully charged.
They are crossing fingers that Eskom’s power cuts won’t spoil it for them because the cars will have to be charged.
Speaking to Scrolla.Africa, deputy chairperson for Santaco’s metered taxi section, Sibongisen Shange, said the ailing economy, fuel price increases and global warming are some of the reasons why they had to introduce electric vehicles in the country.
“We have 2,500 vehicles at the moment in Gauteng and we will be moving to KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State soon,” he said.
Shange added that the project has been in the pipeline for seven years and they are relieved to finally roll it out.
The cars will be charged at their haling areas. Shange said although the country is experiencing power cuts, commuters won’t get stuck on their trips as they are planning to have solar plants at malls and taxi ranks.
Pictured above: Deputy chairperson for Santaco’s metered taxi section, Sibongisen Shange
Photo by Mfanelo Dzanibe
