Zero Carbon Charge, AIDC-EC launch off-grid EV charger programme in the Eastern Cape

Zero Carbon Charge (Charge), in partnership with the Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape (AIDC-EC), and together with the Eastern Cape provincial government, has broken ground on what it describes as an off-grid, ultra-fast, green electric vehicle (EV) charging network.

Once completed, the network in the Eastern Cape will consist of 29 sites, 18 of which will be dedicated to electric passenger and light commercial vehicles (LCVs), while 11 will be off-grid electric truck charging stations.

The charging stations will be located along the N10, N6, R56, N9 and N2 freeways.

Charge says both charging networks will operate independently of Eskom’s predominantly coal-powered grid, which means they should be green and loadshedding-proof.

It is envisaged that construction of the first charging station at Wagon Wheels Farm Stall on the N6 will start in the first quarter of next year.

Charge believes the demand for this type of charging infrastructure is only set to grow.

Following the latest predictions by motor and energy industry stakeholders, there will be around 120 000 electric vehicles on South Africa’s roads by 2027, and 360 000 by 2030.

“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,” says Charge chairperson Joubert Roux.

“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,” adds AIDC-EC CEO Thabo Shenxane.

Charge says landowners hosting the charging stations will earn 5% of the revenue generated by the vehicles making use of these facilities.