Zero Carbon Charge has started building its first 100% renewable energy charging station in Wolmaransstad, situated in the North West province of South Africa. This station will be part of the country’s first national network of 120 solar-powered charging facilities, which will be spaced out at 150km intervals.

This is without a doubt a significant milestone in South Africa’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs). Zero Carbon Charge’s charging stations use South Africa’s abundant and renewable supply of sunshine to power them, unlike other charging stations that connect to Eskom’s grid and rely on coal as their primary energy source.

We are thrilled to be constructing the first 100% renewable energy charging facility in Wolmaransstad. It is great news for the environment, and it is great news for motorists who won’t have to worry about loadshedding preventing them from charging their vehicles.

Joubert Roux, Co-Director and Founder of Zero Carbon Charge.

Green Power

Additionally, each Zero Carbon Charge charging station produces electricity on-site utilizing solar PV and stores energy in lithium-iron phosphate batteries. In case of any power failure, hydrotreated vegetable oil-fueled generators are available as a backup power source. Using hydrotreated vegetable oil reduces carbon emissions by up to 90% compared to diesel.

According to Zero Carbon Charge’s other Co-Founder and Director, Andries Malherbe, South Africa needs to prepare for the global transition to EVs.

“Zero Carbon Charge is forging ahead in preparation for the EV revolution that is coming to these shores. Within five years, we expect electric vehicles to account for 25% of all new car sales in South Africa. Our network of 100% renewable charging stations will offer consumers a clean and fast way of charging their vehicles,”

Andries Malherbe, Zero Carbon Charge Co-Founder and Director

Fast Charging

Using 720 DC ultra-fast charge points for EVs, plus 240 AC charge points for plug-in hybrids, each Zero Carbon Charge charging station can charge an EV in about 20 minutes. By contrast, it will take a standard ‘on-grid’ AC charging station around 4 hours to fully charge an EV.

Zero Carbon Charge plans to have its full network of solar-powered charging facilities operational by September 2025, pending various planning and land use approvals.

We are excited that our municipality is leading the way with the green transport transition, with the first approval for a facility like this in the country.

Mayor of Maquassi Hills Local Municipality, Mzwandile Feliti

This is a great opportunity for rural landowners to become part of the energy value chain for EVs, to benefit from surplus energy generated and derive an additional income stream.

Jan Holiday, the owner of the land upon which the site is being built

Grab a cup of coffee while your car recharges

Each Zero Carbon Charge station will offer motorists a farmstall where they can enjoy a quick snack and a cup of coffee while their car fully charges again in just 20 minutes.

Zero Carbon Charge’s total investment, worth R1,8bn, will boost South Africa’s rural economies by providing local jobs and an additional revenue stream for farmers. Vehicle charging on their land will generate a revenue that will earn landowners 5%, while local socio-economic development initiatives will receive a percentage of the revenue reinvested in them.

The Zero Carbon Charge facility at Wolmaransstad is due for completion in June 2024.

Visit their website for more information: www.charge.co.za.