Interview: Green Scooter, South African mobility startup unveils EV solution in Dubai

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Green Scooter, a South African startup was the first mobility solution company to introduce an electric motor-tricycle to the country in 2018. With two models, the Zbee Cargo and the Zbee RS, it has targeted consumers and businesses in its home country over the past two years as the world recovered from the pandemic-induced shutdown.

With a team of five and a fleet of more than 70 scooters, the start-up sells fully electric vehicles and EV power-train components – one of the first to do so in South Africa.

The green mobility company showcased its offering at Automechanika 2023 in Dubai. Gulf Business caught up with Green Scooter founder and CEO Fezile Dhlamini to understand his journey, his ambitions for the venture and the challenges in scaling up.

Q. Tell us about your brand.

We’re a South African company called Green Scooter, specialising in the design and manufacture of three-wheeler electric vehicles. Our current product lineup includes the Zbee RS scooter for passengers and the Zbee cargo model designed for freight transport. Additionally, we’re set to introduce the P-Two, which is garnering considerable attention in the Middle East.

The P-Two stands out as the most advanced electric three-wheeler on the market, featuring cutting-edge technologies like solar, and electrical energy generation.

Q. Why are you at Automechanika?

We believe that manufacturing in different countries can serve three essential purposes: skills development, job creation, and carbon reduction. As we engage with various stakeholders at Automechanika, we’re exploring opportunities for product distribution and potential manufacturing partnerships. This not only contributes to economic development but also fosters industrialisation and job growth, ultimately leading to improved living standards.

Q. Tell us about Green Scooter’s journey in South Africa.

We’ve been in operation for seven years and ten months, starting from scratch. Building an automotive company with a tech focus was no easy feat. During our time in South Africa, we conducted numerous proof of concepts and invested significantly in research and development. Presently, we’re working on a project with a local battery manufacturer, aiming to develop batteries for homes, offering an eco-friendly alternative to generators.

Our focus on the value chain in engineering sets us apart, ensuring vertical integration and comprehensive in-house competencies, a rarity in the industry. South Africa serves as a gateway to Africa, and our aim is to expand and replicate our success in the Middle East.

Q. Are your products currently available in the market?

Yes, our products are already available in the market. We offer two models: the Zbee RS scooter designed for passengers and the Zb cargo model for freight. Our sales and exports have been successful, and we are further expanding into battery technology, aiming to manufacture batteries for both stationary and mobile applications. With abundant natural resources in Africa, our focus is on battery manufacturing, an industry that holds tremendous potential for growth.

Q. What are your sources for technical skills and raw materials for your manufacturing hub in South Africa?

We’ve established a strong in-house manufacturing infrastructure, using locally sourced raw materials for our batteries. We collaborate with government agencies, organisations, and industry experts to ensure our policies align with our growth objectives. As for skills development, we work with local educational institutions to train a workforce aligned with our industry needs. Additionally, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition in South Africa and organisations like FedEx and African Bank support our endeavors.

Q. Could you explain your funding structure?

Initially, I bootstrapped the company, relying on my own funds. As we grew, we secured support from key sponsors. The South African Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition, FedEx, and African Bank have been instrumental in our journey. We also partnered with AIONS, an investor and venture builder. Their support has helped us navigate the complexities of the business world. Although we’ve been on this path for almost eight years, our investors appreciate our commitment to creating transport solutions and fostering optionality, continually building and shaping the future.

To summarise our mission, I would say we are shaping tomorrow.