DBSA is investing R100m in EV charging stations

The investment will assist Zero Carbon Charge to set up 120 off-grid stations

26 May 2025 - 17:09 By Motor News Reporter
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Zero Carbon Charge aims to build a national network of solar charging stations for EVs.
Zero Carbon Charge aims to build a national network of solar charging stations for EVs.
Image: Supplied

Zero Carbon Charge (Charge) has installed a national network of off-grid, solar-powered and fast electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in South Africa. The company has announced a R100m equity investment from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).

The funding will enable the rollout of charging stations every 150km along national roads. Each site is fully off-grid, powered by solar energy and supported by battery storage. The company’s first off-grid EV charging station opened in Wolmaransstad in the North West in November.

The station boasts up to six DC fast-charging points for EVs and two AC charging points for plug-in hybrid vehicles. The DC fast-chargers with hardware provided by Chinese technology partners Greencore Energy Solutions and Magic Power are claimed to charge an EV in about 25 minutes. A total of 120 solar-powered charging facilities will be rolled out at 150km intervals on national highways in 2025.

The Cape-based company has developed an app for Android and iOS for transactions at its EV charging stations. Motorists will be able to enjoy a cup of coffee and a bite to eat at the farm stall located at the station. Landowners who allow Charge to install the charging stations receive 5% of annual electricity revenue.

The new charging station on the N12 at Farm Palmiet, Wolmaransstad, was opened in November 2024.
The new charging station on the N12 at Farm Palmiet, Wolmaransstad, was opened in November 2024.
Image: Supplied

The DBSA’s product innovation unit is designed to back catalytic infrastructure projects that deliver environmental and socioeconomic returns at a macro scale.

“As the DBSA, we continue to work with our partners to find solutions that benefit the economy and society. We are happy to have invested R100m in support of Zero Carbon Charge’s off-grid EV charging, which will not only assist in growing the EV market in South Africa but also create jobs, support the economy and mitigate climate change,” said Lebogang Seperepere, acting group executive for project preparation at the DBSA.

“I commend the DBSA for its unwavering professionalism and commitment throughout the due diligence process,” said Joubert Roux, founder of Zero Carbon Charge.

“We are honoured by their support and determined to deliver.”


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