Autel Energy Leads Cape Town’s Electric Bus Revolution
On September 19, Autel Energy, a global leader in eco-friendly EV charging solutions, declared a major milestone in South Africa’s transportation landscape. The company is a key player in Cape Town’s ambitious project to electrify its bus fleet. By utilizing its advanced MaxiCharger DC Fast technology, Autel Energy is establishing the city’s largest public electric bus charging hub, which will support the deployment of 120 electric buses by December 2025.
This initiative, in collaboration with STS Tech Group, is focused at Cape Town’s Arrowgate Depot, which operates on a unique solar-grid hybrid system. This setup emphasizes Autel Energy’s commitment to providing charging infrastructure that is not only sustainable but also prepared for future demands, ensuring high efficiency and long-term viability.
Currently, the depot has 30 MaxiCharger DC Fast units in operation, with plans to increase this to 50 by the end of the year. These chargers currently assist 68 BYD B12 electric buses, each capable of carrying 65 passengers and traveling up to 240 km on a single charge. By 2025, the project is expected to reduce around 18,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, which is like taking over 4,000 cars off the streets of Cape Town.
Autel’s MaxiCharger DC Fast is engineered for high-demand public use and offers several key features:
- Modular design for easy scalability and maintenance
- 98% efficiency to keep operating costs low and improve return on investment
- Compatibility with multiple connectors (CCS, CHAdeMO, GB/T)
- Weather-resistant housing to withstand tough conditions
- Cloud integration for remote oversight and management
- An interactive 27-inch screen for ease of use
Mike Pritchard, CEO of STS Tech Group, praised Autel’s innovative technology and the support provided throughout the project. He noted that this partnership was essential for a smooth rollout and expressed optimism for future collaborations.
This groundbreaking project not only supports Cape Town’s green mobility goals but also aligns with South Africa’s wider sustainability objectives, promising cleaner air and more reliable public transport for residents.
Kemin Zuo, the Regional Director of Autel IMEA DMCC, emphasized the project’s importance for both Africa and the global shift towards clean mobility. He highlighted Autel’s mission to promote EV use through advanced, scalable charging solutions that incorporate renewable energy sources.
With a reach spanning over 70 countries and over 1 million chargers shipped, Autel Energy continues to be at the forefront of the transition to environmentally friendly transport, offering a range of DC charging solutions from fast chargers to ultra-fast systems suitable for various applications.
By driving these innovative changes in Cape Town, Autel Energy is making significant strides toward a more sustainable future for public transport.
