As South Africa’s transport sector slowly edges toward an electric future as part of the truck mix, the need for specialised EV truck technicians has become impossible to ignore. The country’s shift to high voltage drivetrains, battery systems and electric propulsion demands a new generation of technicians trained from the ground up. It is in this context that Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) has extended its long-standing academic partnership with Nelson Mandela University (NMU), donating two electric trucks to help equip students with the skills needed for an EV-ready road freight industry.

Strengthening industry–academia collaboration
IMSAf’s EV truck gift to NMU forms part of its long-term collaboration with the Gqeberha university to align curriculum, technology and practical training with the needs of a rapidly evolving automotive sector.

Celestin Ndhlovu, Executive Vice President for Corporate Services at IMSAf, says the partnership plays an important role in preparing young people for future work: “Our collaboration with the Nelson Mandela University has helped align their curriculum with current industry trends. This is particularly important as our focus is to help improve the quality of education and equip young people with requisite skills for the future world of work.”

Electric technology in the classroom
The two EV trucks run on rechargeable batteries that power electric motors, enabling them to operate without emitting exhaust fumes, a key advantage in reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

NMU says the donation significantly enhances its teaching capabilities and allows students to work directly with modern electric technologies.

Andrew Young, Engineering Director at the university, explains the practical benefits:
“Students from different faculties will gain valuable exposure with these electric vehicles. They will now be familiar with the Battery Management Systems, High Voltage Battery packs and High Torque motors.”

Young also reflects on the steady evolution of the relationship with IMSAf: “Our engineering relationship with IMSAf started with simple component testing and went on to performance testing of some of the Isuzu ICE engines on our test equipment.

“This resulted in students being familiar with products produced at IMSAf and being able to contribute to manufacturing the vehicles as soon as they completed their studies.”

Converted in Gqeberha, tested for real-world use
The Isuzu EV trucks – an NPR 400 and FTR 850 – were converted in 2019 at the company’s Vehicle Conversion and Distribution Centre in Gqeberha by an Australian specialist in EV technology.

Range tests, charging cable compatibility assessments, speed evaluations and gradability tests were carried out to determine real-world usability, including how effectively the units launch on inclines.

IMSAf confirms it will continue collaborating with NMU across research, training, component testing, localisation and performance review.

Ndhlovu concludes: “Our ultimate objective is to ensure the current generation can unlock future opportunities and contribute to the broader vision of socio-economic development.”

Editor’s comment: South Africa’s e-trucking future depends on whether the industry can produce technicians who understand high voltage systems, battery diagnostics and electric drivetrains long before mass adoption arrives. This donation from Isuzu is more than a gesture – it is capacity building at precisely the right time. By placing real EV trucks in the hands of engineering students, Isuzu and NMU are helping to ensure the transport sector does not face an expertise gap when electric commercial fleets scale up. In a market where skills determine competitiveness, these partnerships are setting the groundwork for a safer, cleaner and more technologically advanced trucking industry.

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