Netcare Diagnostics has begun using its first fully electric vehicles for collecting pathological samples, including routes in the Western Cape. These electric vehicles are being introduced into the company's fleet to transport pathological materials in the Western Cape, as well as in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, as the medical group starts deploying them on shorter urban routes.
The Geely E2 Aspire model vehicles were acquired by Netcare Diagnostics and handed over by representatives of Geely Auto South Africa at the Netcare head office in Sandton on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. They will be used for collecting patient samples, and charging stations have been installed at the hospitals and pathology laboratories where they will operate.
These vehicles can charge while waiting for samples, and the initial deployment is focused on shorter routes. Netcare Diagnostics is expanding the use of electric vehicles for short-term collection routes of pathological materials, including in the Western Cape.
The E2 Aspire model was chosen considering the specific needs of pathology transportation, such as mileage on collection routes and the ability to recharge between trips. Mark van Heerden, Managing Director of Netcare Diagnostics, noted that the introduction of these vehicles is part of the Netcare Group's approach to integrating sustainability into daily operations.
Van Heerden stated that the vision of the CEO of the Netcare Group, Dr. Richard Friedland, was to make environmental sustainability an integral part of Netcare's business strategy. His leadership prompted the company to consider practical, day-to-day solutions and seek ways to reduce environmental impact.
He added: 'In pathology, our primary responsibility is to ensure the reliable and timely delivery of samples to our laboratories. We identified the Geely E2 Aspire as the most suitable electric vehicle for these short routes at this stage. This initial implementation will allow us to assess its performance in daily use and determine where electric vehicles can be applied in other parts of our fleet.'
Greg Marushevsky, Chief Operating Officer of Geely Auto South Africa, stated that the vehicles meet the requirements for daily operation. He expressed pride in Netcare Diagnostics' choice of the Geely E2 model for this important work, emphasizing that this initiative demonstrates the practical role that electric mobility can play in organizations serving people daily. According to him, the Geely E2 combines efficiency, practicality, and technology, making it ideally suited for daily operational needs, and the company is ready to support Netcare Diagnostics on its journey toward more sustainable mobility.
Netcare Diagnostics has added its first fully electric vehicles to the fleet for pathology transport, including operations in the Western Cape. The company provides services for equipment, infrastructure, logistics, and operational support for Dr Esihle Nomlomo Inc.'s pathology services at Netcare facilities. The central laboratory in Gauteng and regional laboratories in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Polokwane, Tshwane, and the Western Cape support onsite care services.
The company's services include digitized onsite testing in intensive care units, high-level emergency departments, and Medicross facilities, where rapid results help healthcare teams make timely clinical decisions. Netcare launched its sustainability program in 2013, and its initiatives also include the My Walk Made with Soul project, which converts safely collected PVC from Netcare hospitals into school shoes for children.