South Africa’s first Eskom-proof car charger officially goes online – Photos

Electric-vehicle (EV) infrastructure company Charge – previously known as Zero Carbon Charge – has launched South Africa’s first off-grid charging station.

Located in Wolmaransstad, North West, Charge initially broke ground on the site in November 2023 and welcomed its first users this week, almost one year later to the exact day.

“We are thrilled to be officially opening our first off-grid charging station, which marks a significant milestone in South Africa’s transition to EVs and a carbon-free future,” said Joubert Roux, Executive Chairman of Charge.

“This has been a three-year journey, highlighting our commitment to making our off-grid network a reality as we believe it will benefit South Africans in multiple ways.”

Charge’s new off-grid station in Wolmaransstad boasts six DC fast-charging plugs for EVs and two AC points for plug-in hybrids.

Whilst waiting, motorists can also enjoy refreshments and a bite to eat at the farm stall located at the station.

To facilitate payments and ease of use, Charge has developed a smartphone app available for both Android and iOS for customers of its charging stations that offers a “seamless, user-friendly experience for managing their charging needs and transactions at its EV charging stations.”

Only the beginning

The North West location is only the beginning for Charge as the company has big ambitions to see its branded charging stations all over South Africa.

While the North West provincial government was the first governmental entity to grant approval for the construction of the off-grid charging stations, many have since signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to expand the network into their regions.

“The North West Province is pioneering clean, green infrastructure critical to our country’s energy transition,” said Roux.

“We are pleased that other provinces are following suit with MOUs recently signed with the provincial governments of Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Northern Cape, and the Eastern Cape.”

The Charge network will supply an income stream for landowners on which these facilities are built, as they will earn 5% of the revenue generated from vehicles charging on their land.

It will also create jobs for citizens in rural areas where employment opportunities are scarce.

The first station has already supplied work for local community members during the construction phase, with the charging station employing local staff permanently for its operational management.

Local farmers will also benefit from supplying the farm stall with their fresh produce.

Charge is firm in its belief that the rollout of its off-grid charging stations will serve as a catalyst for EV adoption in South Africa.

Its research shows that an EV charged from Eskom’s predominantly coal-fired power grid indirectly emits 5.8 tonnes of CO2 per year.

In comparison, an average petrol-powered car emits only 4.4 tonnes of CO2 per year.

“It is clear that the development of a network of off-grid, renewably powered EV charging stations is the only way we will reduce transport emissions in the country,” said Roux.

Charge intends to set up a further 119 off-grid stations on major highways around the country positioned at 150km intervals.