MERA Lab supports record-breaking EV journey
- Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ University
The Mobility and Electrification Research for Africa Lab played a key role in supporting the record-breaking Cybertruck Expedition across Africa.
On 14 March 2026, the MERA team, led by Professor Lesedi Masisi and Dr Muhammed Aswat, hosted an international expedition group known as CyberLocos. The team is travelling across multiple continents in a Tesla Cybertruck, aiming to set a world record for visiting the most countries in an electric vehicle.
Their journey is more than just a record attempt. It is also a real-world test of how practical electric vehicles are over long distances—especially in regions where charging infrastructure is still developing.
MERA, based in Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½’ School of Electrical and Information Engineering, focuses on solving Africa’s mobility and electrification challenges through practical research. The lab works on electric transport solutions, charging technologies, and energy access, with a strong focus on affordability, durability, and real-world use.
During the visit, the MERA team provided hands-on technical support by fixing a critical charging issue. The Cybertruck was unable to connect properly to local electrical systems, and the team helped resolve the problem so the vehicle could charge reliably and continue its journey.
This situation reflects a wider challenge across the continent. Charging standards, plug types, and access to reliable electricity are not always consistent, which can make EV travel more difficult.
Long-distance travel in an electric vehicle depends heavily on access to charging. Unlike petrol or diesel cars, an EV cannot continue once the battery is empty. This makes reliable infrastructure and careful planning essential—especially in parts of Africa where charging networks are still limited.
The CyberLocos visit offered a practical example of the challenges MERA is working to address. The lab’s research includes electric mobility systems, renewable-powered charging, and improving electricity access in rural and peri-urban areas.
As Africa moves towards cleaner and more sustainable transport, collaborations like this are important. They help test solutions in real conditions, highlight gaps, and support the development of technologies that work for the continent.