Stellenbosch-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer MellowVans has partnered with Itemate Solutions to introduce a mobile storefront solution for African telecommunications companies (telcos). The partnership combines MellowVans’ locally designed and manufactured electric delivery vehicles with Itemate’s custom point-of-sale (POS) platform, creating a versatile mobile store for telcos. The EV-based solution addresses rising demand for remote customer registration, SIM card sales, and on-the-go customer support as telcos navigate increasingly stringent regulations across African markets.
MellowVans’ EVs: Built for Africa’s Landscape and Regulatory Needs
Neil du Preez, CEO of MellowVans, highlights the unique design of these EVs tailored for Africa’s rugged environment. As the first South African automotive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to achieve European and British homologation, MellowVans brings reliable, low-maintenance, and environmentally sustainable last-mile transport to urban centers across South Africa.
The EVs’ design features:
- Durability for African Conditions: Built with rugged terrain and low-maintenance requirements in mind, MellowVans offer resilience in Africa’s challenging landscape.
- Cost-Effective Operation: With an operational cost as low as 15 cents per kilometer and a range of 130km per charge, these EVs are ideal for telcos aiming to minimize operating expenses.
Technology-Enabled Mobile Storefront: A Game Changer for Telcos
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Through Itemate Solutions’ custom POS platform, the MellowVans mobile storefront transforms customer engagement for telcos. The POS system allows agents to manage sales, SIM card registrations, RICA compliance, and customer inquiries directly from the EV, bringing services closer to customers.
Key functionalities of the integrated mobile storefront include:
- Enhanced Customer Access: Agents can sign up new customers, register SIM cards, and provide on-the-spot customer support, reducing the need for customers to travel to traditional stores.
- Compliance and Security: With stringent regulations impacting telco operations, the POS platform enables full compliance with customer registration laws, while also allowing telcos to manage in-field agents securely.
- Efficient Data Capture: The integration gives telcos visibility over sales, customer data, and compliance activities, easing administrative burdens and enhancing security.
Robert van Breukelen, CEO of Itemate Solutions, notes that this partnership offers a solution to regulatory pressures that restrict telco growth. “This partnership provides telcos with a climate-friendly and attractive solution that enables them to reach customers where they are, rather than relying on brick-and-mortar locations alone,” he said.
MellowVans’ Role in Sustainable Last-Mile Delivery
MellowVans vehicles have become popular in South Africa’s urban areas as a sustainable last-mile delivery option. These three-wheeled, road-legal EVs are manufactured with 70% locally sourced materials, reducing their environmental impact and supporting South African industries. Brands like Takealot, Spar, Woolworths, and DHL already use MellowVans for efficient, low-cost deliveries in their operations.
Why MellowVans is favored in last-mile delivery:
- Emission-Free Transport: As a zero-emission vehicle, MellowVans contributes to carbon reduction goals, an increasingly critical factor for brands focused on sustainability.
- Technological Edge: The vehicle’s technology platform provides real-time insights into performance metrics such as driver behavior, vehicle health, and route efficiency, helping operators optimize their delivery systems.
According to du Preez, “Our technology platform allows for real-time insights, giving operators better control and visibility over their fleets, ultimately contributing to lower operational costs.”
Pilot Project Success and Future Expansion
A pilot project conducted with Telkom in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Free State showcased how MellowVans can successfully serve telcos. Through this proof-of-concept, MellowVans has gained valuable insights into the operational needs of telcos and has adapted its vehicles accordingly. This success has led to talks with other African telcos eager to implement similar solutions.
As du Preez remarks, “We are in discussions with telcos across Africa and are focusing on scaling our production capacity to meet demand. MellowVans has the potential to bring efficient, accessible customer service solutions to telcos across the continent.”
Conclusion: A Sustainable Solution for Telco Growth in Africa
The collaboration between MellowVans and Itemate Solutions marks a significant step in transforming telco operations in Africa. By combining mobile customer service with sustainable transportation, this partnership not only offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional telco outlets but also advances customer reach in compliance with regulatory standards. With expansion plans underway, MellowVans and Itemate Solutions are poised to reshape the landscape of African telecom services, supporting both economic growth and environmental sustainability.