Successful community event in Western Cape bridges knowledge gap between electric vehicle technology and public understanding
The inaugural EVs on Display event, hosted by EVnow.co.za at Hermanus High School in the town of Hermanus on 9 August 2025, exceeded expectations by attracting hundreds of visitors eager to experience electric transportation.
The event successfully showcased a comprehensive range of electric vehicles and related technologies, drawing attendees from all age groups.
Diverse exhibition highlights innovation
The event featured an impressive array of exhibits that demonstrated the breadth of electric mobility solutions available today.
Stellenbosch University’s Engineering Faculty presented experimental EV conversions and robotics technology (above), while visitors could explore comprehensive energy storage solutions, solar panel installations, and various car charging systems from Whale Coast Solar and Tesla, as well as RenEnergy, MSPD Africa, and ZIMI Charge.
Alu-Cab displayed a comprehensive camping rig fitted to a BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid, featuring a canopy, roof-top tent, and awning.
Personal mobility was well represented with displays of electric scooters, unicycles, and e-bikes from Go Electric Mobility and iRoll, offering visitors hands-on experience with alternative transport methods.
Stunning electric motorcycles from Energica (imported by Electronia) and VMOTO also captured significant attention alongside the four-wheeled electric vehicles that served as the main attraction for many attendees.
Outstanding vehicle showcase
The four-wheeled vehicle display featured an impressive lineup of electric models that demonstrated the diversity of EV technology. Standout models included the MINI Aceman, Volvo EX90, BYD Sealion 7, Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ (above), MG Cyberster, Tesla Model X, and Audi etron GT.
The exhibition also highlighted the versatility of electric conversion technology through displays of a classic VW Beetle and a converted minibus taxi, showcasing how traditional vehicles can be transformed for sustainable transport.
Long-distance EV demonstrations
The event showcased the practical capabilities of electric vehicles through several long-distance journeys to Hermanus. Kobus van Rensburg, who imports Energica motorcycles (like the Ego model shown below), demonstrated the reliability of commercial electric vehicles.
Kobus and his team drove a Mercedes-Benz eSprinter panel van from Vanderbijlpark in Gauteng to the event.
Adding to the long-distance showcase, Francois Malan from Enviro Automotive made the journey from Gauteng in the fully-electric Riddara RD6 double cab, proving the viability of electric bakkies (pickups) for extended travel.
He was joined by Ryan Jarret, who drove his electric MINI Cooper to the event. Jarrett, known for producing an electric road trip series hosted on YouTube, brought additional expertise and media attention to the show.
The event also highlighted African vehicle innovation through the Roam Air electric motorcycle, developed in East Africa and manufactured in Nairobi.
One of these motorcycles, which was displayed at the show, had completed an extraordinary journey from Kenya to Stellenbosch with rider Stephan Lacock, a Stellenbosch University researcher.
This remarkable feat was achieved using the motorcycle’s easily removable twin battery pack, charged exclusively by mobile solar panels.
Learner innovation recognised
The event celebrated young talent through the EVnow Learner Challenge, a competition involving seven schools from the Overstrand area that showcased the next generation’s engagement with sustainable mobility.
Connor Lewis, a matric learner from Curro Hermanus, was awarded a NIU electric kick scooter (from Go Electric Mobility) worth R10 000 for his winning entry.
Connor’s innovative web application demonstrates how prospective EV owners can calculate the amount of electricity they can generate for their vehicles using solar panels, based on their geographic location. It’s a practical tool that bridges clean energy and electric mobility.
Educational mission
Gerrit Kruyswijk (pictured above), director of EVnow, emphasised the educational objectives behind the successful event. “Our goal was for young and old to understand EVs and their advantages, and to dispel EV myths,” said Kruyswijk.
“South Africa is ready for EVs right now. Its people will benefit from access to EVs, whether affordable private cars, public transport, and freight transport. It can make transport cheaper and massively reduce air pollution. And this is in spite of our electricity grid that mostly supplies coal-generated electricity.”
Future plans
Building on the overwhelming success of the inaugural EVs on Display event, EVnow plans to expand the initiative with similar events planned for 2026, potentially extending to other parts of South Africa to reach more communities nationwide.
“EVnow remains committed to educating the youth about EV facts that are backed by science,” added Kruyswijk, underscoring the organisation’s dedication to evidence-based education and the development of informed future decision-makers.