Absa says South Africa’s New Energy Vehicle (NEV) market is growing steadily, with vehicle sales rising sharply in recent years. To test the country’s readiness for wider adoption, two Absa executives recently completed a three‑day electric‑vehicle journey covering more than 4 000 kilometres from Johannesburg to Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.

One of the executives, Tebogo Maphothoma, Executive for Operations and Enablement at Absa Vehicle Asset Finance, says the journey highlighted ongoing infrastructure gaps, limited consumer awareness and broader ecosystem challenges that could slow the NEV transition.

Thami Ngubeni spoke to Zinzile Gcaleka, Executive for Strategy and Customer at Absa Insurance.