There is probably no one on this Earth who knows the dangers and terrible consequences of climate change and negative environmental practices better than the people of Africa. The continent is often in the news for its severe climate and weather conditions, which in turn affect the ecosystem in the area.
It is, therefore, not much of a surprise that the people of Africa have given rise to many of the world's environmentally friendly tech inventions and innovations. One of such people is Neil du Preez, the man behind South African-made MellowVans and MellowCabs.
Neil du Preez: Who is He?
Neil du Preez, in an article published by Future Cities Africa, describes himself as someone who is "passionate about urban transport and the development of last-mile delivery solutions."
This passion has brought him to lead a company that specializes in the development of light electric utility vehicles.
Neil du Preez has won many awards thanks to this passion and work, including the Global Gifted Citizen Award, African Entrepreneurship Award, and Siemens Foundation's Empowering People Award.
Neil du Preez was also named as one of the top young South Africans in 2016 by Mail & Guardian.
MellowCabs
According to the African Innovation Foundation, Neil du Preez has a couple of tech innovations under his name. One of which is MellowCabs, which he founded. MellowCabs is best known for manufacturing electric vehicles known as MellowVans.
Per an article by Engineering News, Neil du Preez employs around 20 people under MellowCabs. The company receives no assistance from the South African government's Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP).
This is due to the fact that the program is not geared towards aiding the production of three-wheeled vehicles like the MellowVans.
Neil du Preez has noted, however, that the APDP is being reviewed to accommodate three-wheeled vehicles.
Read also: Electric Vehicles to Outpace Fuel Engines Sales in 2033, Non-EV Market To Go Below 1%: Forecast
MellowVans
MellowCabs, according to the company website, "manufactures light electric cargo vehicles, called MellowVans that provide low cost, efficient and emission-free delivery services in cities."
Per the MellowVans website, a MellowVan has the following features:
More than enough room for parcels
Affordable enough for food delivery
Lockable cargo area
2.4 cubic meters of cargo space
Custom racking
The MellowVans also have less maintenance cost and downtime and higher operating efficiency.
Each MellowVan makes use of lithium-ion battery cells that come from Asia. The batteries are then assembled in a plant in Western Cape by MellowCabs.
EV batteries are still seen as more environmentally friendly than gas emissions due to the fact that fossil fuels are more dangerous. Furthermore, EV batteries can actually be recycled using bacteria, and that is thanks to bioleaching.
According to Neil du Preez, as quoted in the Engineering News article, "All production will happen in South Africa in the foreseeable future. The factory is ready, and we have secured the necessary ISO certification."
Those interested in a MellowVan can either buy one or lease one with full maintenance contracts.
Also Read: Electric Cars Could Reportedly Make Up One-Third Of Vehicles Sold By 2040
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Isabella James
