CHARGE astounded by electric vehicle traffic on the N3
Finally South Africans can use electric cars the way they are supposed to be used, effortless travel, ultra-fast charging, dedicated and interesting stops to charge at safely and with certainty.
CHARGE has opened the two fastest charging stations in SA, with certainty of energy supply, and with the latest technology to match your electric vehicle.
What began as an ambitious vision is rapidly becoming a proven model.
In its first month of operation, CHARGE’s fully off-grid, solar-powered ultra-fast charging corridor on the N3 has already served more than 200 electric vehicles, including passenger cars, electric vans and commercial fleet vehicles.
Combined with charging speeds of up to 360kW — the fastest recorded on the African continent — the early results are providing tangible proof that South Africa is ready for a new era of electric mobility.
The N3 corridor offers two new charging destinations: CHARGE N3 Roadside at Leeukop Padstal in the Free State and CHARGE N3 Tugela located at Three Towers Farm Stall in KwaZulu-Natal.
Positioned strategically along the route, the stations make long-distance EV travel between Gauteng and Durban practical and convenient.
Importantly, the farm stalls are open to all road users, whether they drive an electric vehicle, petrol vehicle or diesel vehicle.
Beyond passenger vehicles, the N3 is unlocking new opportunities for commercial fleet electrification.
Businesses operating along South Africa’s busiest transport route can now access reliable ultra-fast charging that enables electric fleets to operate longer distances with confidence.
As electric vans, service vehicles and commercial fleets increasingly enter South African roads, the network provides the foundation for fleet electrification at scale, helping businesses reduce fuel costs, improve cost predictability, lower emissions and transition confidently to cleaner transport solutions.
CHARGE is creating a new travel ecosystem for South Africans who want to explore the country differently.
One where renewable energy powers the journey, charging stops become destinations, and the road trip experience is elevated for a new generation of motorists.
A new road-trip culture emerging in South Africa
For many drivers, the appeal extends beyond the technology.
A new road-trip culture is beginning to emerge in South Africa.
Drivers are discovering routes designed around charging destinations rather than traditional fuel stations.
They are embracing cleaner technology without compromising convenience, comfort or reliability.
While vehicles charge, travellers can enjoy and buy freshly air-roasted coffee, local food and clean facilities at welcoming roadside destinations that transform charging time into part of the journey itself.
Designed around people, not just cars, the sites are pet-friendly and feature spacious layouts that provide easy access for EVs towing trailers and caravans.
The result is an experience that feels less like a traditional fuel stop and more like a modern travel destination.
The N3 corridor builds on the success of CHARGE’s first operational site, CHARGE N12 Wolmaransstad at Farm Flair Deli.
Located on the N12 between Klerksdorp and Wolmaransstad, the station enables convenient electric vehicle travel between Johannesburg and Kimberley while providing a premium charging destination for motorists along the route.
Like the N3 sites, the station operates entirely off-grid using solar energy and battery storage.
For EV drivers, that means dependable charging supported by a resilient energy system that operates independently of the national grid, delivering both reliability and sustainability.
Free AC charging
In addition to ultra-fast charging, each CHARGE station (N12 & N3) offers complimentary AC charging for vehicles that do not support DC fast charging or for drivers who wish to take advantage of the free charging option during longer stops.
With six DC charge points available at every site, multiple vehicles can charge simultaneously, helping ensure a convenient and reliable charging experience.
This is the road trip experience a new generation of South Africans is embracing.
Going national – route by route
The CHARGE N12 Wolmaransstad site laid the foundation.
The N3 CHARGE corridor has set a new benchmark.
With the N1 up next, CHARGE is expanding towards national coverage of South Africa’s major highways.
As more routes come online, South Africans will gain access to a connected network of premium charging destinations designed around people, travel and renewable energy.
Learn more about CHARGE – South Africa’s off-grid electric vehicle charging network.
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