The City of Cape Town (CoCT) has developed a new-energy vehicle (NEV) adoption plan as part of its broader fleet management framework.

This NEV plan establishes a structured and phased approach to transitioning the city’s municipal fleet towards lower- and zero-emission vehicles, says CoCT Corporate Services MMC Theresa Uys.

“The adoption plan builds on previous electric vehicle pilots, industry engagements and market research, with the objective of reducing carbon emissions, improving operational efficiencies and achieving long-term financial sustainability.

“Rather than pursuing an immediate fleet-wide replacement, the city intends to adopt a practical, evidence-based approach that considers vehicle suitability, total cost of ownership, market availability, charging infrastructure readiness and operational requirements,” says Uys.

“This supports the city’s broader commitment towards carbon neutrality by 2050.”

Initial screening has identified around 2 918 vehicles as potential candidates for NEV transition across the assessed municipal fleet.

“This represents an initial opportunity assessment rather than a confirmed procurement or deployment target,” notes Uys.

“Final adoption volumes and implementation schedules will be determined through further operational data assessments, business case development, infrastructure feasibility, budget availability and the applicable procurement and approval processes.”

Uys explains that the initial priority is expected to be passenger and light-duty vehicle categories, particularly sedans, hatchbacks and pool vehicles, alongside suitable micro-mobility applications such as two- and three-wheelers.

“These categories offer favourable early adoption opportunities due to their relatively predictable operating patterns, availability of suitable NEV alternatives, lower charging complexity and potential lifecycle cost savings.”

Electric buses and selected commercial vehicles have also been identified as potential transition opportunities, subject to operational requirements and the relevant directorate-level planning.

“Notably, MyCiTi has already procured electric buses, with the initial units currently undergoing testing,” says Uys.

Thirty-eight battery-electric MyCiTi buses are scheduled for final delivery by March next year.

The transition of larger operational vehicles, including light delivery vehicles, bakkies and specialised equipment, will be progressively considered as suitable technologies become more commercially viable and supporting infrastructure develops, adds Uys.

“Heavy-duty and specialised vehicles, including waste collection trucks, compactors and tankers, are generally envisaged for later phases due to their more demanding operational requirements, higher capital costs and specialised charging infrastructure needs.”

Uys notes that the city’s approach is to align NEV adoption with planned vehicle replacement cycles, ensuring that the transition remains financially sustainable without compromising municipal service delivery.

An important step in advancing and refining the adoption plan was the city’s Future of Fleet – Road to 2030 and Beyond Symposium & Innovation Exhibition, which took place in October, she adds.

The event brought together more than 500 delegates, including representatives from across government, academia, thought leaders, industry leaders and exhibitors, with the aim to share knowledge, showcase innovation and foster collaboration on the opportunities, challenges and practical pathways towards the fleet of the future.