MINI and Red Bull launch SA’s first EV solar-powered charging station

MINI has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by collaborating with Red Bull to launch South Africa’s first stand-alone solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging station in Cape Town.

The event, held on Saturday, 18 March 2023 at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, marked the unveiling of the station, which will power the first Red Bull MINI Electric in the Southern Hemisphere.

The initiative is part of MINI’s “Big Love” brand statement, which aims to protect the environment. The company plans to become electric-only by the early 2030s, with three new electric models set to be launched, including the new MINI Cooper Electric.

Head of MINI South Africa, Shaun Willis noted: “MINI and Red Bull have a long-standing relationship, forged 17 years ago in California when the first MINIs were converted into the iconic Red Bull MINI. There has always been a strong union between our brands, and this collaboration on our first solar-powered charging station is further evidence of this in South Africa.”

Willis added: “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.”

You May Also Like: Cherry Omoda C5 for South Africa in April 2023

The solar-powered charging station is a collaboration between MINI South Africa, the V&A Waterfront, and the City of Cape Town. MINI’s Head of South Africa, Shaun Willis, noted that the partnership with Red Bull is a continuation of the long-standing relationship between the two brands, which began 17 years ago in California when the first MINIs were converted into the iconic Red Bull MINI.