South Africa’s electric car adoption rate might be slow at present, but work is progressing behind the scenes on a rural network of solar-powered charging stations to ensure that the country is ready for a more electrified future.
A company called Charge, formerly known as Zero Carbon Charge, this week opened its first off-grid, ultra-fast renewable energy powered EV charging station in Wolmaransstad in the North West Province.
This, says Charge, is the first of 120 solar-powered charging stations that the company plans to erect on major routes over the coming year. The stations will be paired with farm stalls so that users can grab a cup of coffee and a bite to eat while waiting for their cars to charge.
The intention is to space them out at 150km intervals to ensure that South Africans can more easily cover long distances between cities in fully electric vehicles.
“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.”
The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by political figures, including Deputy Minister of Electricity, Samantha Graham-Maré, who said South Africa was actively driving renewable energy investments.
“The project is also aligned with the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan, which will be launched early next year. The plan’s focus is on renewables driving local manufacturing which will support projects such as CHARGE’s where off-grid EV charging stations will be developed at scale,” Graham-Maré said.
The Wolmaransstad station is equipped with six DC fast c charging points as well as two AC outlets for plug-in hybrids. The DC units are said to be capable of charging an average EV in just 25 minutes. The company has also developed an app to make the transactional process easier for clients.
IOL