Local Governments May Need to Invest in Electric Buses, Says MAN SA Leader

## A Shift Towards Electric Buses in South Africa

A strong global movement is driving cities to adopt fully electric buses. Jan Aichinger, CEO of MAN Truck & Bus South Africa, highlights that the local councils may soon have to transition to electric buses due to South Africa’s slow progress in clean fuel initiatives.

### Current Emission Standards

South Africa currently operates under Euro II emissions and fuel standards, but the demand for cleaner options is growing. The global trend indicates that the production of city buses using outdated standards may soon be halted. According to Aichinger, the European new-bus market has reached 50% battery electric so far this year, with projections suggesting it will hit 100% by 2030.

Similarly, China has nearly 100% of its new-bus market composed of battery electric, hybrid electric, and fuel-cell electric buses.

### Future Standards and Comparisons

Europe is advancing towards Euro VII standards by 2027 and currently employs Euro VIe standards. Other countries, like India and Brazil, comply with Euro VI, while China operates under China VI standards, equivalent to Euro VI. Aichinger notes that South Africa is uncertain about transitioning to Euro V by 2027.

### Challenges in Local Production

Aichinger points out significant challenges in developing Euro II buses for a niche market. The demand for specific types of buses, such as high-floor models for Rea Vaya in Johannesburg, complicates production. “The local industry aims to provide buses that meet international standards like Euro V or VI, but inconsistencies in fuel quality create obstacles,” he states.

### Urgency for Regulatory Standards

He emphasizes an urgent need for the government to implement more stringent fuel standards. With over 80% of South Africa’s petrol and diesel being imported, Aichinger questions why cleaner options aren’t being procured. “Ordering pizza with pineapple when you dislike it makes no sense,” he adds.

### Decline in Internal Combustion Engine Bus Tenders

The City of Cape Town reported low responses from bus companies for tenders involving internal combustion engine (ICE) buses. Aichinger explains that building city buses in small quantities can take longer than the typical tender period set by local governments.

### MAN SA’s Local Operations

MAN SA, the local division of the German bus and truck group, operates a bus chassis assembly plant in KwaZulu-Natal and a bus body-building plant in Gauteng, achieving over 90% localization. However, less than 10% of the global production involves Euro II models, which are rapidly becoming obsolete.

### The Inevitable Transition to Electric

Aichinger foresees a shift to electric city buses as inevitable. “This operational model is ideal for electric vehicles since it requires only one charging point at the depot,” he explains. Routes are predictable, with peak periods in the morning and afternoon, along with charging opportunities throughout the day.

### Introduction of the MAN Lion’s Explorer E

To adapt to evolving market demands, MAN SA has launched the MAN Lion’s Explorer E in collaboration with its German parent company. This model represents MAN SA’s first fully electric commuter bus, which can also serve as a city bus.

### Testing and Future Production

Of the first three units produced, one is in use at the University of Johannesburg, another is undergoing tests in Türkiye, and the third is with Buscor in Mpumalanga. Aichinger mentions plans for commercial production to commence in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, starting January next year. The company has already trained 300 personnel for high-voltage environments.

### Cost Considerations

Despite the initial investment cost, Aichinger notes that electric buses can break even over a 12-year total cost of ownership. This will likely necessitate a reevaluation of government transport contracts, which may no longer fit within the typical seven-year framework.

### Conclusion

Ultimately, South Africa’s bus industry may soon transition to predominantly electric vehicles, mirroring global trends. What are your thoughts on the shift toward electric buses in urban areas?