Netcare Diagnostics has taken delivery of several Geely E2 Aspire electric hatchbacks for use in urban pathology specimen collection across three provinces in South Africa. The vehicles were handed over on September 29, 2026, at Netcare's head office in Sandton. This marks the introduction of the company's first fully electric vehicles to its transport fleet. The Geely E2 Aspire hatchbacks will be used for collecting patient pathology specimens in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape.
The Geely E2 Aspire was selected for its suitability in pathology transport, considering the distances travelled on collection routes and the opportunities to recharge between journeys. Netcare Diagnostics has installed dedicated charging units at hospitals and pathology laboratories where the vehicles will operate from, allowing them to recharge while awaiting specimens. This infrastructure will support the daily operations of the electric vehicles.
The introduction of electric vehicles to Netcare Diagnostics' fleet is part of the company's sustainability efforts. Dr. Richard Friedland, chief executive officer of the Netcare Group, and Marc van Heerden, managing director of Netcare Diagnostics, received the vehicles. The initiative demonstrates Netcare's commitment to building sustainability into its daily operations.
According to Greg Maruszewski, chief operating officer of Geely Auto South Africa, the introduction of the Geely E2 Aspire to Netcare Diagnostics' fleet showcases the practical role electric mobility can play in organisations that serve people every day. The partnership highlights the growing interest in electric vehicles for commercial use in South Africa.
Netcare plans to assess the performance of the electric vehicles in daily use and determine where they may be suitable for use elsewhere in the fleet. Van Heerden stated that the move is another way the Netcare Group is building sustainability into its daily operations, emphasising the importance of reliable and timely specimen collection.
Netcare introduced its environmental sustainability programme in 2013, which has received local and international recognition. The programme includes various initiatives, such as My Walk Made with Soul, which turns PVC safely collected from Netcare hospitals into school shoes for children. The introduction of electric vehicles is another step towards reducing the company's environmental footprint.
The Geely E2 is a compact, fully electric five-door hatchback designed for everyday urban travel. Netcare Diagnostics provides equipment, infrastructure, logistics, and operational support for Dr Esihle Nomlomo Inc. pathology services across Netcare facilities, supported by a central laboratory in Gauteng and regional laboratories in other provinces. The E2 Aspire vehicles will operate on urban collection routes in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape.
Key points
- Netcare Diagnostics introduces first fully electric vehicles to its transport fleet.
- Geely E2 Aspire hatchbacks used for urban pathology specimen collection.
- Initiative part of Netcare's sustainability efforts.
