Challenges facing South African road authorities in the transition to new energy vehicle technology

Abstract

In the light of the general acceptance that climate change in the form of global warming is an unacceptable phenomenon, the South African government committed to reducing GHG emissions, embracing green mobility and introducing new vehicle technologies such as electric vehicles and hydrogen related technology. Road authorities are responsible for the upgrading, maintenance and operation of the country’s road network and need to take cognisance of the influence these technologies will have on the network. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the green mobility strategy from the perspective of a road authority and to highlight aspects to be addressed, such as the characteristics and operational requirements of new energy vehicles, possible impacts on road and traffic related standards and procedures, requirements of associated infrastructure such as charging and refuelling stations, establishment of a national charging station network, assessment of the impact on cost-benefit analysis methodology (specifically vehicle operating costs), the handling of emergencies involving new energy vehicles, and understanding the impact of a change in technology on funding, especially the fuel levy. The need to plan for the electricity requirements of electric vehicles is also discussed.