Electric SUVs successfully transport theatre company 1 116 kilometres from Johannesburg to Gaborone and back, demonstrating practical range and real-world performance
Musical theatre company Shy Music has made history by becoming the first theatrical production to tour across African borders using only battery-electric vehicles. The company’s 10-person cast and crew travelled to Gaborone, Botswana, for performances of ‘Calling Us Home’ at the Maitisong Festival in two Volvo EX90 fully-electric SUVs.
The groundbreaking journey, which took place between 2 and 6 October 2025, covered 1 116 kilometres round trip from OR Tambo International Airport, proving that long-distance EV travel is both practical and reliable for professional touring.
Real-world performance exceeds expectations
Despite carrying full passenger loads, luggage, and equipment, the two EX90s achieved a range of approximately 450 kilometres per charge with an energy consumption of 23 kilowatt hours per 100 kilometres. The vehicles maintained comfortable cruising speeds of 110-120 km/h throughout the journey, with air conditioning running in hot conditions.
“This trip proved that long-distance EV travel works in real-world conditions,” says EV advocate Justus Visagie who served as project manager for the journey. “The EX90’s practical range, combined with improving charging infrastructure, demonstrates that electric vehicles can support international cultural exchange. We’ve set a precedent for sustainable touring while showing that South African EV infrastructure is ready for long-distance journeys.”
“If battery-electric vehicles from Europe can be taxed at the same rate as petrol and diesel vehicles, more companies and individuals would benefit from the reduced running costs these vehicles offer,” Visagie added.
Strategic route planning and renewable energy charging
The trip required no special preparation beyond standard route planning, and the existing charging infrastructure proved more than adequate for the task.
The vehicles departed OR Tambo at different times and followed slightly different routes to optimise charging access, with one vehicle stopping at Mall of Africa while the other charged at Cradlestone Mall. Both converged at Waterfall Mall in Rustenburg, where the vehicles benefited from the mall’s extensive rooftop solar array, ensuring a significant portion of the charging energy came from renewable sources.
Notably, both the Mall of Africa and Cradlestone Mall also feature rooftop solar installations, further enhancing the sustainability of the journey.
Reliable charging infrastructure throughout the journey
Charging infrastructure performed reliably throughout the trip. The Mall of Africa charger in Johannesburg delivered approximately 180 kilowatts, while the Cradlestone and Rustenburg chargers provided around 50 kilowatts. In Gaborone, the Hilton Garden Inn’s seven-kilowatt AC charger served the vehicles overnight.
The return journey on 5 October required only two charging stops: overnight charging in Gaborone before departure, and a single stop in Rustenburg where the cast and crew enjoyed lunch while the vehicles recharged. After departing at 09:00 and 09:30 respectively, both EX90s reached Johannesburg before 17:00, demonstrating the generous range achievable with the seven-seater electric SUV.
Performance, comfort and safety for long-distance travel
The EX90’s performance capabilities proved valuable for safe overtaking on the route between Johannesburg and Gaborone. With maximum output of 300 kilowatts (kW) and 770 newton metres (Nm) of torque delivered to all four wheels, the vehicles accelerate from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in 5.9 seconds, making highway driving effortless despite their substantial size.
Spacious interiors and generous luggage capacity
Air suspension contributed to passenger comfort throughout the journey, while the vehicles’ spacious interiors accommodated five occupants per vehicle with ease. With seats six and seven folded, the 669-litre boot capacity, supplemented by 34 litres of storage under the bonnet, provided ample space for luggage and equipment.
Safety features proved particularly reassuring during the journey. The Volvo Matrix headlights delivered excellent visibility in poorly lit areas in and around Gaborone at night, while the comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems provided confidence on unfamiliar roads. The EX90’s supportive seats, for which Volvo is renowned, ensured driver comfort and stamina over long distances.
South Africa’s only seven-seater electric vehicle
The Volvo EX90 remains the only seven-seater battery-electric vehicle available in South Africa, offering a practical solution for transitioning to electric mobility without compromising on space or capability. With a top speed of 180 kilometres per hour and the ability to charge from 10 to 80 percent state of charge in 30 minutes using fast chargers, the EX90 delivers both performance and practicality.
While the cast of ‘Calling Us Home’ performed to enthusiastic audiences at Gaborone’s Maitisong Theatre, the two EX90s charged quietly at the hotel, ready for the return journey to Johannesburg. The successful completion of this trip proves that environmentally responsible touring is not just possible but practical, setting a new standard for the entertainment industry.
Leading by example in sustainable entertainment
“This journey represents an important value that our company stands for,” says Alice Gillham, CEO of Shy Music. “We have always reached for environmentally respectful solutions and continue to build an ever greener company, and this partnership with Volvo Cars South Africa allows us to demonstrate that the entertainment industry can lead by example by taking our environmental responsibilities seriously. Theatre has the power to move hearts and minds, and we’re extending that mission to how we travel between venues.”
Demonstrable environmental benefits
The journey consumed significantly less energy than conventional vehicles would have required for the same trip, while producing zero direct emissions. Combined with renewable energy charging at several stops, the environmental benefits of electric vehicle technology were clearly demonstrated throughout the expedition.
Volvo Cars South Africa made the journey possible by providing both EX90 vehicles. The partnership demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainable transportation and confidence in their electric vehicle technology. Next year, Volvo Cars South Africa will introduce the ES90 sedan and EX60 SUV – both fully electric – to the local market.
Technical specifications – Volvo EX90 Twin Performance Ultra
- Battery capacity: 107 kWh
- Range per charge: Approximately 450 km (real-world, fully loaded, open road)
- Energy consumption: 23 kWh/100 km
- Maximum charging speed: 250 kW
- Charging time: 30 minutes (10-80% SOC at fast charger)
- Power output: 300 kW / 770 Nm
- Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds
- Top speed: 180 km/h
- Seating capacity: Seven
- Boot capacity: 669 litres (with third row folded)