Netcare adds Geely electric vehicles to pathology transport fleet - IOL

Netcare Diagnostics has introduced its first electric vehicles for pathology specimen collection, including routes in the Western Cape.

Electric vehicles are being introduced into Netcare Diagnostics’ pathology transport fleet in the Western Cape as the healthcare group begins using its first fully electric vehicles on shorter urban routes.

The Geely E2 Aspire vehicles, purchased by Netcare Diagnostics, will operate in the Western Cape as well as Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. The vehicles were handed over by Geely Auto South Africa at Netcare’s head office in Sandton on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

The vehicles will be used to collect patient pathology specimens, with charging units installed at the hospitals and pathology laboratories where they will operate.

The vehicles can recharge while awaiting specimens, with their deployment initially focused on shorter routes.

Netcare Diagnostics is rolling out electric vehicles for shorter pathology collection routes, including in the Western Cape.

The E2 Aspire was selected with pathology transport needs in mind, including the distances travelled on collection routes and opportunities to recharge between journeys.

Marc van Heerden, managing director of Netcare Diagnostics, said the introduction of the vehicles was part of the Netcare Group’s approach to incorporating sustainability into its daily operations.

“Our Group CEO, Dr Richard Friedland, had the vision to make environmental sustainability an integral part of Netcare’s business strategy. His leadership has encouraged us to look at the practical decisions we make every day and ask where we can reduce our environmental impact,” Van Heerden said.

“In pathology, our first responsibility is to ensure specimens reach our laboratories reliably and on time. We identified the Geely E2 Aspire as the most appropriate electric vehicle for these shorter routes at this stage. This initial deployment will enable us to assess how it performs in daily use and where electric vehicles may be suitable elsewhere in our fleet.”

Geely Auto South Africa chief operating officer Greg Maruszewski said the vehicles were suited to everyday operational requirements.

“We are proud that Netcare Diagnostics has selected the Geely E2 for this important work,” Maruszewski said.

“This initiative demonstrates the practical role electric mobility can play in organisations that serve people every day. The Geely E2 combines efficiency, practicality and technology, making it well suited to everyday operational requirements, and we look forward to supporting Netcare Diagnostics as it takes this step towards more sustainable mobility.”

Netcare Diagnostics has added its first fully electric vehicles to its pathology transport fleet, including operations in the Western Cape.

Netcare Diagnostics provides equipment, infrastructure, logistics and operational support for Dr Esihle Nomlomo Inc. pathology services across Netcare facilities.

A central laboratory in Gauteng and regional laboratories in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, Polokwane, Tshwane and the Western Cape support point-of-care services.

The company's services include digitally integrated point-of-care testing in intensive care, high care emergency departments and Medicross facilities, where rapid results help healthcare teams make timely clinical decisions.

Netcare introduced its environmental sustainability programme in 2013.

Its sustainability initiatives also include My Walk Made with Soul, which turns PVC safely collected from Netcare hospitals into school shoes for children.