For many years now the challenge has been to conquer Sani Pass (located in KZN) in some sort of vehicle that you wouldn’t think would make it up. I say this because as one of the highest roads in Africa the Sani Pass is not just any dirt road. It’s a rutted dirt road that climbs from 1 544m above sea level to 2 876m in just 9km.

The Citizen reports that 56 years after the first Volvo made the climb, they have gone and taken their EX30 Cross Country and become the first brand to get to the top of the Sani Pass with an all-electric vehicle (EV). This proves that EVs can tackle South Africa’s toughest terrain – powered by the country’s highest solar-powered charger.

Volvo EX30 CC makes history

Stretching through the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, Sani Pass has long separated ordinary cars from those built to endure, testing resilience, power and control. Now, for the first time, an EV has conquered its challenging slopes, proving that sustainable mobility can thrive in even the most extreme conditions.

Small but formidable, the Volvo EX30 CC’s compact size clearly belies its capability. This 315kW electric SUV is designed to handle both urban streets and demanding mountain passes. It shows EVs does not have to sacrifice adventure.

During the ascent, the Volvo EX30 CC navigated steep gradients, hairpin bends and rocky terrain, demonstrating that EVs can confidently tackle landscapes once considered exclusive to combustion engines.

Highest charger in SA

Adding to the milestone was the installation of South Africa’s highest solar-powered EV charger located just below Sani Pass. Installed for Volvo at Premier Resort Sani Pass by CHARGE, the unit enabled a fully solar-to-solar journey for the Volvo EX30 CC. This initiative proves exploring remote natural landscapes with clean energy which supports mobility in some of the country’s most iconic locations is possible.

“The ascent of Sani Pass by the EX30 CC is a defining moment for electric mobility in South Africa,” said Grant Locke, the managing director of Volvo Car South Africa.

“It demonstrates that electric vehicles can tackle the most challenging terrain and that clean, sustainable energy can power adventure in even the most remote and rugged locations.”

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