We’re living in the age of renewable energy. Or at least, that’s the plan. South Africa still places a massive reliance on coal, with no real sources of green energy funnelling into people’s homes that aren’t a result of private expenditure. Even so, the EV industry hasn’t slowed its growth. It’s only grown. Mini, in partnership with Red Bull, is adding to that growth with the unveiling of the first Mini-branded solar-powered EV charging station.
A gesture nonetheless
Of course, this was all done in the name of PR the planet’s health, as a part of Mini’s overarching Big Love initiative. The unveiling took place in Cape Town, at the V&A Waterfront on Saturday, 18 March, with a crowd of onlookers patting Mini on the back, wishing them a job well done.
Shaun Willis, Mini South Africa CEO spoke of the partnership with Red Bull, before adding; “True to MINI’s optimistic attitude to life, we are driven by the potential of creative ways to play our part to protect the planet. With the first stand-alone public solar charging unit in Cape Town, together with Red Bull, we are showing our commitment to sustainable energy solutions.”
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Besides Mini’s “pledge to protect the planet,” it has reiterated its 2021 announcement that it’ll be an electric-only brand by the early 2030s. That’ll start with the launch of the Mini Cooper Electric, followed by two other unnamed EVs joining the Mini Family. It’s a trend that’s being picked up by others, fast. Even BMW — the owner of Mini — is gearing up for a more electric future.