Summary
- CHARGE has opened an off-grid, ultra-fast, green electric vehicle charging station in Wolmaransstad, South Africa
- The station has six DC fast charging points and two AC charging points
- CHARGE plans to ramp up the development of 100% renewable energy powered sites in the new year
- The project is in alignment with the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan
- CHARGE aims to reduce transport emissions by developing a network of off-grid, renewably powered EV charging stations across the country.
Article
CHARGE, formerly known as Zero Carbon Charge, recently opened the first off-grid electric vehicle (EV) charging station in Wolmaransstad, South Africa. The station is powered by renewable energy and features six state-of-the-art DC fast chargers and two AC chargers. Motorists can charge their vehicles in about 25 minutes and enjoy amenities at the farm stall located at the station. CHARGE has also developed an app for customers to manage their charging needs and transactions. The opening ceremony was attended by government officials and marked a significant milestone in South Africa’s transition to EVs and a carbon-free future.
Deputy Minister Samantha Graham-Maré expressed her admiration for the determination and passion displayed by the CHARGE team in driving this development. She highlighted the alignment of the project with the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan, which focuses on renewables driving local manufacturing. The project received support from the North West MEC for Economic Development and the Maquassi Hills Local Municipality Mayor, reflecting the impact the EV charging network will have on economic opportunities in the region. Landowners hosting the charging facilities will also benefit financially by earning a percentage of the revenue generated from vehicles charging on their land.
CHARGE believes that the rollout of off-grid charging stations powered by renewables will serve as a crucial catalyst for EV migration in South Africa. The country’s predominantly coal-fired power grid indirectly emits more CO2 than an average petrol-powered car. By integrating its charging stations with renewables, CHARGE aims to reduce transport emissions and promote green mobility in the country. The development of large-scale solar PV and battery storage systems will further enhance the feasibility of off-grid charging stations. The project has the potential to become a template for other players in Africa and beyond.
The integration of solar panels and lithium-ion batteries in off-grid EV charging stations presents new possibilities for increasing the penetration of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in remote areas. As global prices for solar panels and batteries continue to decline, projects like CHARGE’s network of off-grid charging stations become more achievable and cost-effective. The charging station at Wolmaransstad also featured the Dongfeng Nammi Box EV, a car that has not been officially launched in South Africa. The presence of this electric vehicle hints at the expanding market for EVs in South Africa and the potential for more affordable models to enter the market soon.
South Africa’s reliance on coal for electricity generation prompted CHARGE to focus on renewables for its charging stations. Despite the country’s history of electricity rationing, CHARGE’s off-grid charging stations are designed to operate independently, powered by renewable energy sources. The successful implementation of the off-grid EV charging network showcases the possibilities for reducing emissions and promoting sustainable transportation practices in South Africa. With support from technology partners and automakers like Volvo, CHARGE is paving the way for a cleaner, greener future in the country’s transportation sector.
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