Zero Carbon Logistics, a subsidiary of Zero Carbon Charge, plans to roll out South Africa’s first off-grid, 100% green electric truck charging network on South Africa’s roads.

The company plans to launch 120 solar photovoltaic (PV) electric truck charging sites on national highways nationwide. The initial six sites will be built on the N3 route between Durban and Johannesburg. This is in addition to the 120 electric passenger vehicle off-grid charging sites currently being built by Zero Carbon Charge.

“The shift to electric trucks offers a major opportunity for South Africa to meet its Green Transport Strategy goal of reducing transport-related carbon emissions by 5% by 2050,” says Joubert Roux, co-founder of Zero Carbon Charge. Roux adds that replacing fuel-powered trucks with electric models will save 670kg of carbon emissions per truck daily.

35 MWp of solar PV will power the off-grid stations and deploy ultra-fast charging technology coupled with modular battery packs to charge a truck within 20 minutes. In addition to charging facilities, each station will offer restrooms, a shop, WiFi, and a vehicle repair and wash facility, allowing drivers to rest.

Zero Carbon Logistics will need to obtain government approvals to build the sites. The company says it has been working closely with the Green Energy unit from InvestSA in the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and the KwaZulu Natal Trade and Industry Authority to get the project off the ground. “We remain committed to continue working with the government to create mass-scale renewable energy solutions that will support our country’s shift to green mobility,” says Roux.