PHOTO: SUPPLIED
The Eastern Cape could soon boast up to 29 electric vehicle charging stations that will be set up at key points across the province.
The network would consist of 18 stations that will be dedicated to electric passenger and light commercial vehicles, while 11 will be off-grid electric truck charging stations.
Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE), in partnership with the Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape (AIDC-EC), together with the Eastern Cape provincial government, broke ground recently on what would be the province’s first off-grid, ultra-fast, green electric vehicle charging network.
It marked a significant milestone in South Africa's efforts towards building a sustainable transport network that contributes to climate emission reduction.
Zero Carbon Charge will be investing a total of R11.4 billion.
It is envisaged that construction of the charging station at Wagon Wheels Farm Stall on the N6 will start in the first quarter of 2025.
The demand for this charging infrastructure is only set to grow.
Following the latest predictions by motor and energy industries stakeholders, there will be around 120 000 electric vehicles on South Africa’s roads by 2027 and 360 000 by 2030.
Developing off-grid electric vehicle charging stations in South Africa is key to fostering the necessary infrastructure for the transition to electric mobility, reducing carbon emissions, and meeting climate goals.
“This project is a large-scale, national carbon emission reduction initiative that can contribute towards our country’s carbon emissions reduction targets. CHARGE estimates that if we fully migrate the vehicle fleet currently registered on government’s E-NATIS system to electric vehicles charged with solar power, we could reduce the country’s carbon emissions by over ninety-seven million (97 000 000) tonnes of CO2e per year,” said Joubert Roux, Executive Chairman of CHARGE.
“However, to achieve this we need a regulatory environment that supports the development of an off-grid charging network.
“We are grateful for the support from the Eastern Cape provincial government in streamlining current application processes, which has allowed us to start breaking ground on the 29 planned charging stations across the province,” he added.
According to the AIDC-EC CEO, Thabo Shenxane: “This is a significant step forward for the Eastern Cape, not only in terms of technological advancement but also in positioning the province as a hub for sustainable transport solutions. Transformation to a low-carbon economy is not only about climate change, but also about ensuring the province remains economically competitive, whilst maintaining the principles of Just Transition.”
MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, and Tourism, Nonkqubela Pieters, expressed her support for the project.
"This initiative will not only reduce our carbon footprint but also create significant economic opportunities for the province, especially in rural communities. By working with local landowners, the benefits of this project are shared with those who need them most, which supports our vision of inclusive and sustainable growth in the Eastern Cape,” she said.
“The Eastern Cape Provincial Government and the AIDC Eastern Cape’s support for our project is a crucial catalyst for electric vehicle migration in South Africa.
“We will continue to work closely with all levels of government committed to introducing green transport solutions to help the country meet its carbon emissions reduction targets,” added CHARGE’s Joubert Roux.
The sites of the 29 off-grid electric vehicle charging stations will be located along the N10, N6, R56, N9 and N2.
