Zero Carbon Charge has broken ground on the Eastern Cape province’s first off-grid, ultra-fast, green electric vehicle charging network.
The project is a partnership between the electronic vehicle (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 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 would be investing a total of R11.4 billion in the roll-out of the electric vehicle charging stations in the Eastern Cape. This forms part of its broader project of building a national network of 120 off-grid electric passenger and light commercial vehicle charging stations and 120 electric truck charging stations.
The 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.
“Crucially, both 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.”
It is envisaged that construction of the charging station at Wagon Wheels Farm Stall on the N6 will start in the first quarter of 2025. It will be one of five other Zero Carbon Charge charging stations in the Eastern Cape that will be rolled out simultaneously.
The company believes demand for this charging infrastructure is only set to grow.
Following the latest predictions by motor and energy industries stakeholders, there will be around 120 000 electric vehicles on South Africa’s roads by 2027 and 360 000 by 2030.
“Developing off-grid electric vehicle 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.
“This initiative not only accelerates the shift to green transport but also opens up significant economic opportunities.
“By promoting local manufacturing of electric vehicles and advancing domestic battery technology, South Africa can create an entirely new automotive sector, building on its strong existing industry.”
Zerp Carbon Charge said EV infrastructure provision would 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 emissions reduction targets.”
It is estimated that if the vehicle fleet currently registered on government’s E-NATIS system is fully migrated to electric vehicles charged with solar power, South Africa’s transport sector could reduce its carbon footprint by over ninety-seven million (97 000 000) tonnes of CO₂ per year,” said 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.
According to the AIDC-EC CEO, Thabo Shenxane: “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, whilst maintaining the principles of Just Transition.”
In addition to the environmental benefits, the development of the 29 charging sites will create a positive economic impact in local communities. This includes the creation of over 3 260 employment opportunities. Landowners on whose land the charging stations will be built will earn 5% of the 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 of inclusive and sustainable growth in the Eastern Cape.
Roux emphasised that the Eastern Cape Provincial Government and the AIDC Eastern Cape’s support for the project was a crucial catalyst for electric vehicle migration in South Africa.
“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 electric vehicle charging stations will be located along the N10, N6, R56, N9 and N2.
