First ever e-bus arrives in Namibia

The first-ever battery-electric bus (e-bus) has arrived in Namibia.

This 65-seater bus was acquired by Namdeb Diamond Mining and is part of the company’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2030.

It arrived in Namibia on 5 October and was unveiled to the community of Oranjemund on 14 October.

Namdeb managing director Riaan Burger said the e-bus is an opportunity that contributes to creating a carbon-neutral future for Namdeb.

“No business can claim to be geared for the future and contributing to the world in a positive way unless it becomes carbon neutral,” he said.

Burger added that the introduction of new technology requires new skill sets, as well as an opportunity to build capacity and reskill drivers and mechanics to enable them to operate and maintain the e-bus.

“A total of approximately 30 drivers and 15 mechanics are expected to undergo driving and maintenance training, of which 50% has been completed since the e-bus’ arrival with training scheduled in sessions. Trial testing of the bus is currently underway in the town of Oranjemund,” Burger said.

The bus is currently being prepared to ensure that it is fit, both from a safety and operational perspective, and will be used for employee transportation at Namdeb’s southern coastal mines starting in January 2024.

Namdeb spokesperson Shangelao Ndadi said the initiative aims to reduce the company’s overall diesel and electricity consumption.

“We are further investigating advanced potential solutions that support achieving our carbon-neutral goals, including the installation of a 250kW rooftop solar system on the company’s office and workshop roofs and the development of a larger solar facility solution to supplement the wind farm,” she said.

Ndadi added that the company is exploring the possibility of procuring an additional six similar buses over the next two years.