From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

Electric vehicle charging company Zero Carbon Charge has launched 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. Sabrina Jardim has the story.

Sabrina Jardim:

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

This expansion 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, ultra-fast solar-powered EV charging infrastructure on all major routes across the country.

CHARGE co-founder and chairperson Joubert Roux…

Sabrina Jardim:

Each station can charge up to eight EV’s simultaneously, with three DC chargers with six dispensers, and two 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.

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 120 network.

CHARGE co-founder and chairperson Joubert Roux…

Sabrina Jardim:

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.

mUther Xperience Hub dealer principal and owner Alex Staniland…

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.