South Africa is set to make automotive history with the debut of the world’s first range-extended electric pickup truck, signaling a major leap forward for the country’s clean mobility ambitions and its growing role in electric vehicle (EV) innovation across Africa.
As reported by Business Insider Africa, the vehicle will be launched by U.S.-based EV startup Telo Trucks in partnership with a South African distributor, marking the company’s first entry into the African market. The range-extended pickup will feature an electric powertrain combined with a small onboard generator, enabling up to 800 kilometers of driving range, addressing one of the continent’s biggest challenges in EV adoption: charging infrastructure.
Speaking ahead of the launch, a Telo Trucks spokesperson said, “South Africa offers an ideal testing ground for scalable EV technologies that blend innovation with practicality. This pickup has been designed for both urban and off-road use, making it suitable for Africa’s diverse terrains.”
According to Bloomberg, South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition is supporting several EV projects to attract more green technology investments, with plans to introduce incentives for local assembly by 2026. The new model’s arrival is expected to stimulate interest in electric logistics and fleet operations across the region.
