Africa's Fully Solar EV Charging Network by Zero Carbon Charge

Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) is South Africa’s first dedicated national network of off-grid, solar-powered, ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Developed as a private sector-led response to the country’s energy insecurity and lack of EV infrastructure, the CHARGE network is designed to operate independently from the national electricity grid, using a fully integrated micro-grid model powered by photovoltaic solar and battery storage. The project will establish 120 EV passenger charging stations, 138 electric truck & freight charging stations and overnight facilities along all major national and regional routes in South Africa, with stations located approximately every 150 kilometers. Each EV site is built on a minimum 1-hectare parcel of leased land, scalable up to 20-hectares, while the electric truck sites are built on 100-hectares of leased land. Each site is equipped with high-capacity charging equipment and developed to operate completely off-grid. The network supports long-distance travel, logistics corridors, and rural energy access without placing additional strain on South Africa's national grid which relies on coal-heavy infrastructure – supporting the long standing energy crisis in South Africa. Additionally, CHARGE is also developing an urban solution for inner-city charging opportunities in collaboration with multiple leading car brands to drive the uptake of EVs. Backed by the trust of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), a working proof-of-concept site operational in Wolmaransstad, and permitted sites nationwide, CHARGE is positioned to lead South Africa’s just energy transition, green transport expansion, and rural development through sustainable, scalable, and investable infrastructure.