Electric vehicle (EV) charging company Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) has launched the first of two off-grid, solar-powered EV charging stations along the strategic Johannesburg-Durban N3 corridor, marking a significant step towards enabling electric passenger and freight mobility at scale.

The official launch of the new CHARGE N3 Roadside, at the Reitz Interchange (Exit 107), in the Free State, took place on May 19, while a second site, CHARGE N3 Tugela at the Colenso-Winterton Interchange (Exit 207) in KwaZulu-Natal, will officially open on May 20. 

“By building off-grid EV charging infrastructure along key transport corridors like the N3, we are reducing dependence on volatile fuel prices while creating greater energy and transport cost stability over the long term.

“This is about giving consumers and fleet operators the confidence to transition to electric mobility, knowing the infrastructure exists to support them. The future of transport won’t be powered by EVs alone, it will be powered by renewable-energy infrastructure,” CHARGE co-founder and chairperson Joubert Roux said.

The rollout of CHARGE's EV charging network is supported by a R100-million investment from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and forms part of CHARGE’s broader strategy to roll out a national network of off-grid, ultrafast solar-powered EV charging infrastructure on all major routes across the country.

”The DBSA’s investment in this project reflects our commitment to financing infrastructure that supports South Africa’s energy transition, improves transport resilience and unlocks inclusive economic growth.

“Innovative models such as CHARGE’s renewable-energy-powered charging infrastructure demonstrate how sustainable infrastructure can contribute to decarbonising the transport sector while expanding access to future-ready mobility solutions,” says DBSA chief investment officer Gregory Fyfe.

CHARGE notes that it has already demonstrated the viability of its model through its pilot site in Wolmaransstad (CHARGE N12 Wolmaransstad) in the North West province, which has achieved 99% uptime since its launch in November 2024.

The company says the N3 rollout builds on this success, scaling EV charging infrastructure to meet both passenger and commercial fleet demand. 

Delivered in under five months and on target, the two new N3 charging stations demonstrate the speed and scalability of CHARGE’s off-grid infrastructure model as demand for electric mobility accelerates across South Africa.

Following the launch of the N3 corridor, CHARGE will advance its next major rollout phase along the critical N1 corridor, followed by covering the country with 60 more sites and then densifying to complete the full network. 

Each N3 station is equipped with next-generation technology delivering 50% more charging capacity than the Wolmaransstad pilot site, significantly improving charging speeds.

Each station can charge up to eight EVs simultaneously, with three direct current (dc) chargers with six dispensers, and two alternating current (ac) chargers with one dispenser each, operating entirely off-grid using solar-powered microgrids and battery storage.

While charging time is vehicle specific, CHARGE’s dc fast chargers are designed to allow most EVs currently available in South Africa to charge close to their maximum supported power.

CHARGE explained that a typical EV can charge from 20% to 80% within half an hour, depending on vehicle size and battery configuration. Payment and charging are facilitated through the CHARGE mobile app, creating a seamless user experience.

Both locations also offer complimentary WiFi, restrooms and on-site farm stalls ­- Leeukop Padstal in the Free State and Three Towers Farm Stall in KwaZulu-Natal - where travellers can enjoy refreshments while charging their vehicles.

Highlighting recent market data, CHARGE pointed out that EV adoption in South Africa is accelerating rapidly. AutoTrader reported that EV searches increased by 45% year-on-year between February and March, while engagement rose by more than 200%.

In March alone, South Africa recorded a record 389 EV sales, driven in part by more affordable models entering the market.  The data signals that electric mobility is no longer a future trend in South Africa, it is becoming a market reality, says CHARGE.

As transport energy shifts from imported liquid fuels to locally generated electricity, CHARGE says its off-grid infrastructure model is helping lay the foundation for a more energy-secure, cost-stable and economically resilient transport future.

The company expressed that scalable charging infrastructure will be critical to unlocking widespread EV adoption and positioning South Africa competitively within the global transition to cleaner mobility.

“South Africa cannot participate in the future of transport without building the renewable-energy infrastructure that will power it.

“What we are building is bigger than charging stations, it is the foundation for a new independent transport economy that is more resilient and ultimately more affordable for South Africans,” says Roux.

Meanwhile smart home store mUther Xperience Hub dealer principal and owner Alex Staniland described launch of the charging stations to Engineering News as a “momentous occasion”, noting that they would help provide peace of mind for those wanting to travel from Johannesburg to Durban in an EV.

The mUther Xperience Hub showroom in Boksburg, Gauteng, is a concept store that sells smart home solutions, as well as features a dealership that sells EVs from Chinese automotive brand Dongfeng, including the Dongfeng BOX, which mUther supplied to Engineering News to drive down to the CHARGE N3 Roadside station.

“This is a gamechanger, it is a concept site that is going to open up many corridors down the line,” Staniland said of the EV charging stations.

He explained that one of the main hindrances to broader EV adoption in South Africa is a lack of awareness, highlighting the need for a better understanding of current infrastructure and technology, including the available charging infrastructure.

“I don't believe our general public understand EVs. They don't understand what current infrastructure we've got on a daily basis. Our dealership has people coming in, going, 'Where do I charge?’ They don't know the ranges, they don't understand the technology.”

He noted that it would take time for the public to gain awareness of the available infrastructure. 

Dongfeng Boksburg entered the South African market about a year ago and currently has three EV models in its range – the BOX, the eπ 007 and the NAMMI.

The BOX is an entry-level EV hatchback with a battery capacity ranging from 32.56 kWh to 43.89 kWh, and a driving range of about 330 km to 430 km.

The BOX is also equipped with a full suite of advanced driver assistant systems features, such as adaptive cruise control, a 360° surround view camera and automatic parking.

“Dongfeng is cementing its future into South Africa's EV, plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) and range-extended EV landmark and you'll see a national launch soon from Dongfeng, and right now we're under the radar with our dealers, busy growing our dealer network,” said Staniland.