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| Cute curves and lovely lines: the Mahindra e2o (right) could be South Africa's cheapest electric vehicle if it is sold locally. |
THE current motor show in Johannesburg showcases several electric
and hybrid vehicles, ranging from Mahindra's e2o to VW’s Jetta hybrid to Nissan 100% electric
Leaf, which is scheduled to go on sale in South Africa next month through a
dedicated Nissan Leaf dealer network only in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
A charging infrastructure has been implemented at convenient
locations in the two cities to provide a new environmentally sustainable way of
travelling. Nissan spokesperson Veralda Schmidt did, however, reassure Witness
Wheels that plans are under way to sell the Leaf in Durban.
MD of Nissan South Africa Mike Whitfield said the new Leaf is one
of the most significant events that Nissan South Africa has undertaken, and he
predicted that South Africa will soon have a long list of electric vehicles on
sale. We drove the Leaf around the show grounds and were impressed with the boot
space and zero to 60 kilometres in five seconds. (Watch the video using the
aurasma app.)
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| The editor getting ready to do a 0-100 in the Nissan Leaf. |
The suggested pricing of R446 000 for the Leaf remains eye-watering
for all but technology’s most devoted first adopters, despite Nissan’s assurance
that the total cost of owning a Leaf is R14 000 less than a similar-sized hatch
with an internal combustion engine, and R35 000 cheaper than the closest hybrid
competitor.
Also rather steeply priced are the Pedego electric bikes, which are
sold from Durban. Pedego MD Matt Fisher told Witness
Wheels they sell the electric bicycle from R24 750 for a 24-inch bicycle
to R35 750 for the top-end, 600-Watt trail tracker.
Fisher said the U.S.-made Pedego bicycles are not comparable to a
mountain or motorbike as they are unique. They have no need for a licence and
are ideal for a 15 km commute to work.
The trail biker has a range of 35 km without pedalling, but as
Fisher says, “the more you pedal the further you go”. On the level beach front
in Durban, they have a range of 60 km.
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| The editor testing the Pededo electric bicycle. |
Witness
Wheels rode one and from years of commuting on a thick-wheel, back-pedal
bicycle, can attest that the extra-thick wheels on the Pedegos give a very
comfortable ride and will give traction in soft sand.
Fisher said Pedego has a proposal with eThekwini Municipality to
rent the bicycles out on the Durban promenade. “We want to create an environment
that is totally green,” he said.
The latest electric vehicle to arrive at the 2013 Johannesburg
International Motor Show is the Mahindra e2o. The little hatch was late due to
it being held up at Durban harbour. The two-door hatchback has a top speed of
over 100 km/h and a range of 160 km on a full charge, which takes five hours
from a standard 15A household socket. One hour of charging will provide a range
of 20 km. Mahindra said it may consider marketing the car in South Africa in the
future.
