This South African Electric Van Is Changing the Future of Delivery
There’s a phrase that says: no DNA, just
RSA — meaning 100% proudly South African. And this 3-wheel, fully electric
vehicle is exactly that. Made by MellowVan — an innovative
disruptor in mobility, charging into a future economy that South
Africa hasn’t fully tapped into yet. Today, I get to meet the founder of MellowVans, Neil Gabriel, to hear his story and
explore how this could shape a brighter future. Neil, what an experience — that was amazing. Thank you, appreciate it. Fantastic to meet you. Likewise. Especially after my first ride in one of your
inventions, already disrupting the mobility space. Absolutely. Tell me where MellowVans began. After university I lived in the Far East.
They’ve used small electric vehicles for years. We came back to South Africa and
thought — we can do it better. It’s been a 10-year journey to get here. How did it progress? It started in a garage. We built,
tested, and played with early machines. A small university project got funded,
we built prototypes, and it snowballed. Today we build 4 vehicles
a day and export to Europe. Wow. If I’m an entrepreneur watching
this, how could I use a MellowVan? Start with operating cost — 15
cents per km in South Africa. Huge saving vs petrol vehicles.
Think parcel delivery, groceries, medicine, pharmaceuticals — the list goes on. Are they easy to charge? Super easy. Built-in charger —
plug into a normal wall socket. How much fits inside? 2.5 cubic meters — more than
enough for last-mile deliveries… Even an elephant in the back. That’s crazy — I’m already thinking of ideas. Let’s learn… That’s one. That’s three. That’s four. See what I did there? Maybe we can fit one more. This is incredible — can it close? Don’t panic! Amazing, man. Thank you! How long do we have to be here? Anyone claustrophobic? I am very claustrophobic… Oh really? Smallest spot! I’m getting a hip cramp… Hanging in here — limited headroom. Hey guys… three days later. We survived.
South Africa is quietly building the future of mobility — and it has three wheels! 🇿🇦⚡
Join host Katlego as he visits MellowVans in Cape Town to meet founder Neil Du Preez, test-drive their 100% electric delivery vehicle, and unpack how this proudly-SA innovation is powering a new green economy.
Affordable. Efficient. Disruptive. The African EV revolution starts here.
#engineafrica
► Liked the video? Let us know by giving us a thumbs up!
► Want to see more? Make sure to subscribe
► Check our website: https://dw.com/REV
REV – The Global Auto and Mobility Show from Deutsche Welle
#DW #DWREV
