Locally built EVs launch new mobile storefront for African telcos

Stellenbosch-based electric vehicle (EV) company MellowVans has partnered with Itemate Solutions to launch a new mobile store solution for African telecommunications companies, developed specifically for the African landscape in terms of its ruggedness and low-maintenance requirements.

Following a successful proof-of-concept with telecommunications group Telkom, an adapted version of the vehicles, tailored to the needs of telecommunications companies across Africa, is being deployed.

“Our MellowVans have become a common sight in South Africa's urban centres where brands take advantage of their low operating cost, easy maintenance and extensive technology and data to enhance their last-mile delivery,” says MellowVans CEO Neil du Preez.

The MellowVans EVs, paired to a custom point-of-sale platform developed by Itemate, create a mobile storefront from where agents can provide customer service, sign up new customers, complete RICA processes, sell airtime and complete SIM card registrations.

The EVs fulfil a growing need among telecommunications companies to enhance their customer service capabilities, says Itemate Solutions CEO Robert van Breukelen.

“Countries across the continent are introducing more stringent regulations around customer registration, directly impacting telecommunication companies' ability to drive rapid subscriber growth. The partnership with MellowVans provides telecommunications companies with a cost-effective, climate-friendly and an attractive solution that enables them to reach customers where they are, instead of expecting customers to travel to brick-and-mortar stores.”

MellowVans are South African-developed and -manufactured road-legal three-wheel electric delivery vehicles that provide low-cost and emission-free last-mile transport for e-commerce distribution.

The vehicles, manufactured at MellowVans’ Stellenbosch factory using 70% local content, are popular among South African brands who deploy them as part of their delivery fleet, including Takealot, Spar, Woolworths and DHL.

“The vehicles offer the lowest cost per kilometre of any last-mile solution. Our vehicles have a range of 130 km per charge, which at current Eskom rates translates to a 15c/km cost. In addition, our technology platform provides real-time insights into vehicle performance, driver behaviour and other metrics, allowing operators greater control and visibility over their fleet,” says Du Preez.

Van Breukelen adds that the branded MellowVans create an attractive storefront for telecommunications companies that enhances the customer experience.

“Telecommunications companies can send their own agents out into the field using cost-effective and environmentally-friendly transport, limiting their reliance on third-party field agents and thereby enhancing customer security. The integration with our custom point-of-sale also provides telecommunications companies with full visibility over sales, registration and customer data, easing compliance efforts.”

A pilot project with Telkom, which was undertaken in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Free State, provided good insight into how telecommunication companies in other parts of the continent could use the solution.

“We are currently in talks with telecommunications companies in several other African countries and will be focused on our production capacity to ensure we can meet the growing demand for MellowVans in other parts of the continent.”