Local car tech startup launches SAs first electric bakkie 

Vereeniging-based car tech startup Mazibuko Motors has created the country’s first electric battery bakkie, the M1B Pick Up. The latest innovation is currently in the concept stages and plans to launch.

SA tech startup creates country’s first electric bakkie

In an interview with Ventureburn, Nhlanhla Mazibuko, CEO and founder of the innovative startup provides insight into what makes the electric bakkie unique. 

“We see the electric bakkie as unique because it mixes a tough rugged exterior with features of the vehicles of tomorrow such connectivity, self-driving capabilities, and over-the-air updates. Our focus on the car and in our company is a technology first and finding innovative ways to push that forward.”

Mazibuko Motors

Founded in July 2020 by innovative entrepreneur Nhlanhla Mazibuko, the car tech startup aims to fast track the transition from fossil fuel-based transportation to a tailpipe-free one through the introduction of battery electric vehicles.

“We are currently the only startup (that we know of) developing full passage battery electric vehicles from the ground up, we are also technology based and focused. Broken down, Mazibuko Motor Company is a host of mini-start-ups, solar installations, and battery storage,self-driving technology, charging stations and battery electric vehicles, ” explains Mazibuko.

The M1B Pick Up is a dual-motor all-wheel-drive battery electric bakkie.

As a fully-self funded startup from inception, Mazibuko Motors is reportedly planning to enter a seed round of funding to increase investment into the startup.

Mazibuko provides insight into the technology used to create the sustainable-first bakkie. 

“As a self funded start-up we had to be creative with our development and what we did was use a computer Model-Based Design approach. We make use of software to design, simulate and develop our vehicles, this approach yields almost 60% reduction in normal vehicle development costs.”

Plans that are on the cards for the Gauteng-based startup is to create more models in electric vehicles and will be released alongside the bakkie. In addition, the startup aims to push to market its other services offered such as solar and battery storage. 

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Featured image: Mazibuko Motors,a rendered image  (Supplied)