Charge (formerly Zero Carbon Charge) has cut the ribbon on its first off-grid, public electric vehicle (EV) charging service station in Wolmaransstad, in the North West.
The station will form part of the company’s proposed national network of 120 solar-powered charging facilities, located at 150 km intervals on the country’s major highways.
“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,” says Charge executive chairperson Joubert Roux.
The Wolmaransstad location has six DC fast-charging points for EVs, and two AC charging points for plug-in hybrids.
The DC fast chargers can charge a vehicle in about 25 minutes, with motorists able to buy a cup of coffee and a bite to eat at the adjacent farm stall.
Charge says it has developed an app for Android and iOS phones which should manage their customers’ charging needs, as well as their transactions.
Landowners will earn 5% of the revenue generated from vehicles charging on their land.
“We are grateful for the immense support shown by the North West provincial government and the Maquassi Hills municipality,” says Roux.
“They were the first government entities in the country to grant approval for the construction of our off-grid charging stations, including the one we are launching today in Wolmaransstad.
“We are pleased that other provinces are following suit with memoranda of understanding signed with the provincial governments of Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Northern Cape and the Eastern Cape.”
Charge partnered with China’s Greencore Energy Solutions and Magic Power to provide the charging hardware for its network of charging stations.
Edited by: Creamer Media Reporter
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE
ARTICLE ENQUIRY
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
