Atlas Group Plans to Launch First African-Designed EV
Due to affordability and infrastructural concerns, electric vehicle adoption in Africa is moving at a snail’s pace. However, the Atlas E-Mobility Group, an Anglo-Moroccan Technology Company, has devised a solution.
The Plan
The UK-based technology company aims to manufacture its first-ever African-designed and engineered electric car as early as 2026, and according to the firm, this particular model will be affordable and well-engineered.
While the Atlas Group hasn’t named the BEV, it promises to offer a unique appeal to patrons in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, where there is little to no EV infrastructure in place. The technology company also plans to build state-of-the-art production and development facilities in Morocco, allowing the marque to distribute the vehicles across the continent. Atlas remains tight-lipped regarding the BEV’s specification but says it will have advanced range-enhancing technology, battery, and charging networks and will use a ‘proven OEM EV architecture’.
At this stage in SA, the Mini SE is the most affordable option with a price tag of R745,402 before the funky-looking GWM Ora officially launches with a R716,900 price tag.
“We strongly feel that Africa is being ignored by companies in the EV transition. However, no one should underestimate the continent’s determination to advance nor doubt its ability to produce world-leading zero-carbon-free technological solutions,” says Mohammed Yehya EL Bakkali, Co-Founder and CEO of Atlas E-Mobility Group.
Adoption of EVs in Africa
There is no way we can escape what the future holds for the EV sector, and electrification will play a significant role in the transformation of the automotive fold, although the transition is happening at a relatively slow pace. The move by the Atlas Group will hopefully serve as a catalyst for the fast and widespread adoption of EVs in Africa.
