The South African company installing public chargers at shopping malls

Eskom is continuing its electric vehicle infrastructure rollout with the launch of new charging facilities at the Gateway and Pavilion Malls in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

The electricity company said the new sites represent a milestone in its efforts to support South Africa’s transition to electric mobility.

The installation forms part of Eskom’s broader e-Mobility programme, which aims to electrify the company’s fleet, deploy charging infrastructure, and progressively expand a public charging network nationwide.

“The launch was particularly significant because it took place during National Transport Month
in October, providing a timely demonstration of how investment in electric mobility infrastructure can contribute to the evolution of South Africa’s transport system,” it said.

“The new public charging facilities support the broader transition to electric mobility, while helping build the infrastructure required for increased EV adoption.”

Eskom Distribution’s Acting General Manager Operations Enablement, Zuhdi Hamza, said the facility reflects Eskom’s evolving role in enabling new energy solutions that respond to changing customer needs and support the country’s economic and developmental priorities.

“This launch marks another important step towards building a modern, accessible and
connected electric mobility ecosystem for South Africa,” said Hamza.

“By investing in charging infrastructure and electrifying our own fleet, Eskom is not simply talking about the energy transition, we are actively participating in it while enabling the broader transition to electric mobility.”

Since starting the initiative, Eskom Distribution has added 92 electric vehicles to its fleet and deployed 104 charging stations across 68 Eskom and partner sites.

This includes 19 publicly accessible charging stations across 14 locations. In KZN, 15 sites and 15 charging devices have been commissioned.

Eskom stated that it is offering a 20% introductory discount for the first six months at its charging facilities in order to encourage EV adoption and stimulate the developing market.

“Eskom’s objective is to complement the existing charging market, improve affordability and
accessibility, and help address charging availability concerns among current and prospective
EV users,” said the company.

“Convenient access to charging infrastructure is essential to supporting greater EV adoption.
By locating charging facilities where people live, work, shop and travel, and partnering with
property owners and other industry players, Eskom is helping to build a reliable, accessible
and increasingly connected public charging network.”

It revealed that it has identified 84 potential locations for new public charging sites and that it plans to engage with property owners at various stages.

This planned expansion aims to extend charging infrastructure to strategic locations and underserved areas. Transport corridors were also identified as a priority.

“Together with our partners, we are not simply installing charging stations. We are helping
connect people to new possibilities, enabling economic opportunity and contributing to the
energy and mobility system South Africa will need for the future,” said Hamza.