Mercedes-Benz (MBSA) in collaboration with Chargify aims to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (EV) in South Africa with the installation of a total of 127 new charging stations to the value of R40 million.
The mix of AC and DC plug points will be rolled out in two phases, said the luxury automaker, and aims to support long-distance EV driving.
The first phase will see 67 EQ-branded chargers installed across the country by the end of quarter one of 2024, whereas the second phase will comprise 60 additional stations built in “key areas”, however, no deadline was provided for this secondary stage of the investment.
The MBSA/Chargify network will be available to every EV driver regardless of the brand of vehicle they own. Notably, all Mercedes-Benz EQ customers will benefit from a 10% discount when using these stations.
The most extensive EV public charging network in South Africa
MBSA and Chargify aim to develop “South Africa’s most extensive EV public charging network by fostering relationships with sites across the country and establishing professional partnerships” with organisations such as GridCars, said the automaker.
These charge points will be situated at important locations on main routes, between metropolitan areas, including at airports, shopping malls, restaurant hubs, private hospitals, strategic expansion sites, residential estates, and small towns throughout the country.
Select locations that have already been confirmed to be part of the MBSA/Chargify grid include:
- BT Ngebs Mall, Mthatha
- Champagne Castle, Drakensberg
- Courtyard Hotel, Sandton
- Da Vinci Hotel, Sandton
- Highwayman’s Garage, Pilgrims Rest
- Karoo Junction Mall, Beaufort West
- Mayfair Hotel, Mthatha
- Plettenberg Hotel, Plettenberg Bay
- Swartberg Hotel, Prince Albert
- Silvermist Wine Estate, Hout Bay
- Wilderness Hotel, Wilderness
- Woodhill Estate and Country Club, Pretoria
“Mercedes-Benz South Africa is accelerating the pace of eMobility transformation within the automotive industry,” said Mark Raine, MBSA co-CEO.
“Next to offering the most extensive and diverse all-electric vehicle portfolio in the market, we want to provide not only our customers but all EV drivers the luxury and peace of mind of a comprehensive charging network and with the installation of over 100 electric vehicle charging stations across South Africa fulfilling our strategic objectives of creating sustainable ecosystems in support of our all-electric strategy.”
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