Africa's First 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 and 138 electric truck charging stations across all major national and regional routes in South Africa, with stations located approximately every 150 kilometers. Each EV car site is built on a minimum 1-hectare parcel of leased land, scalable up to 20-hectares, while the truck sites are built on a minimum of 13-hectares, scalable up to 100-hectares. 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 the national grid that relies on coal-heavy infrastructure – supporting the long standing energy crisis in South Africa. Additionally, CHARGE is developing an urban charging solution that is solar-powered and sustainable, allowing inter-city charging for EV drivers.

With the backing by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) investing in equity into our business, a working proof-of-concept site operational in the North West province, 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.