Airports Company South Africa and BMW South Africa launch electric vehicle charging stations.

*Updated to reflect the pictures taken at the launch event on Friday, 1 November 2019*

Kempton Park – Airports Company South Africa and BMW South Africa today announced the launch of BMW ChargeNow electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at O.R. Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport.

EVs accessing the BMW ChargeNow stations will now enjoy exclusive parking bays at three airports. O.R. Tambo International and Cape Town International Airport will each have two ChargeNow stations that accommodate up to four cars at a time, while King Shaka International Airport has one ChargeNow station able to charge two cars at a time.

The BMW ChargeNow stations are located at prominent areas with maximum exposure, and can be found at:

• O.R. Tambo International Airport, conveniently located in Parkade 2 South, level 2 (follow the Premium Parking directional signs)
• Cape Town International Airport, on the ground floor of Parkade 1
• King Shaka International Airport, on Level ‘0’ of the Multi-Storey Parkade

To welcome the partnership with BMW South Africa, Airports Company South Africa will cover all electricity costs associated with the charging stations for a period of 12 months from date of launch. Additionally, BMW EV drivers will enjoy free parking [for a maximum of four days at a time] at the three airports during the month of November. This is to allow other EV users the opportunity to park and fly as well.

Speaking at the launch event held at O.R. Tambo International Airport, Airports Company South Africa Acting Chief Executive Officer Fundi Sithebe said: “Our airports continue to break new ground in terms of innovation and the introduction of infrastructure that seeks to enhance the passenger experience.

“We are delighted to launch the first electric vehicle charging stations at African airports. These charging bays will reduce the number one concern most electric vehicle drivers have which is range anxiety. From today, BMW EV users may drive to and from our three airports with comfort because while they travel, we will be charging their vehicles,” said Sithebe.

“We are grateful to our partner BMW South Africa for its partnership in this initiative. With both the vehicle and air transport sectors endeavouring to reduce their environmental impacts, services such as this will play an increasing role in coming years,” said Sithebe.

Tim Abbott, Chief Executive Officer, BMW Group South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa, said: “These new ChargeNow stations in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban are physical manifestations of the seismic change our industry is going through.

“I’d like to thank ACSA for its vision, as integrated transport is at the heart of convenience. As the move to EVs gathers pace, I imagine we’ll see more of these partnerships.

We’ve been rolling out charging infrastructure across the country since we launched the BMW i3 and BMW i8 in 2015, and these charging points take our tally of BMW ChargeNow charging points to more than 60.”

ENDS

Media enquiries:

Hailey Philander

Product Communications Specialist, BMW Group South Africa

Cell: 071 666 2070

e-mail: hailey.philander@bmw.co.za

Betty Maloka

Airports Company South Africa

Cell: 011 921 6775

E-Mail: Betty.Maloka@airports.co.za