Zero Carbon Charge has broken ground on the Eastern Cape’s first off-grid, ultra-fast, green electric vehicle (EV) charging network.
The project is a partnership between the EV grid facilitator, the Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape (AIDC-EC) and the Eastern Cape provincial government.
“This marks a significant milestone in South Africa's efforts towards building a sustainable transport network that contributes to climate emission reduction,” a Zero Carbon Charge statement said.
“The network in the Eastern Cape will consist of 29 sites – 18 of which will be dedicated to electric passenger and light commercial vehicles while 11 will be for off-grid electric truck charging stations.”
The company said it will be investing R11.4 billion in the rollout of the EV charging stations in the Eastern Cape. This forms part of its broader project building a national network of off-grid charging stations: 120 for electric passenger and light commercial vehicles and 120 for electric trucks.
Development of the 11 sites for solar-powered electric truck charging stations will be completed on a route-by-route basis – similar to the launch of the N3 Electric planned between Johannesburg and Durban.
Zero Carbon Charge added: “Crucially, electric passenger and light commercial vehicle and electric truck charging sites will be completely independent of Eskom’s predominantly coal-powered grid, which means they will be green and completely loadshedding-proof.”
Construction of the charging station at Wagon Wheels Farm Stall on the N6 is expected to start in the first quarter of 2025. It will be one of five other Zero Carbon Charge charging stations in the Eastern Cape to be rolled out simultaneously.
The company believes demand for this charging infrastructure is set to grow.
Motor and energy industries stakeholders predict around 120 000 EVs on South Africa’s roads by 2027 and 360 000 by 2030.
“Developing off-grid EV charging stations in South Africa is key to fostering the necessary infrastructure for the transition to electric mobility, reducing carbon emissions and meeting climate goals,” Zero Carbon Charge pointed out.
“This initiative not only accelerates the shift to green transport but also opens up significant economic opportunities.
“By promoting local manufacturing of EVs and advancing domestic battery technology, South Africa can create an entirely new automotive sector building on its strong existing industry.”
Zero Carbon Charge said EV infrastructure provision will enhance economic growth and position the country as a leader in sustainable mobility innovation.
“This project is a large-scale, national carbon emission reduction initiative that can contribute towards our country’s carbon emission reduction targets.”
If the vehicle fleet currently registered on government’s E-NATIS system is fully migrated to EVs charged with solar power, South Africa’s transport sector could reduce its carbon footprint by over 97 000 000 tonnes of CO₂ per year, estimated Zero Carbon Charge executive chair Joubert Roux.
“However, to achieve this, we need a regulatory environment that supports the development of an off-grid charging network. We are grateful for the support from the Eastern Cape provincial government in streamlining current application processes, which has allowed us to start breaking ground on the 29 planned charging stations across the province.”
AIDC-EC CEO Thabo Shenxane said: “This is a significant step forward for the Eastern Cape not only in terms of technological advancement but also in positioning the province as a hub for sustainable transport solutions. Transformation to a low-carbon economy is not only about climate change but also about ensuring the province remains economically competitive while maintaining just transition principles.”
In addition to the environmental benefits, the development of the 29 charging sites will have a positive economic impact on local communities. This includes creation of over 3 260 employment opportunities. Where the charging stations are built, landowners will earn 5% of revenue generated from electric passenger vehicles and trucks charging at these facilities while 1% of the total revenue will be reinvested in local socio-economic development initiatives.
The Eastern Cape’s MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism Nonkqubela Pieters said: “This initiative will not only reduce our carbon footprint but also create significant economic opportunities for the province, especially in rural communities. By working with local landowners, the benefits of this project are shared with those who need them most, which supports our vision for inclusive and sustainable growth in the Eastern Cape.”
The Eastern Cape provincial government and the AIDC-EC’s support for the project is a crucial catalyst for EV migration in South Africa, Roux pointed out.
“We will continue to work closely with all levels of government committed to introducing green transport solutions to help the country meet its carbon emissions reduction targets.”
The sites of the 29 off-grid EV charging stations will be along the N10, N6, R56, N9 and N2.
