South Africa recently celebrated a significant milestone in sustainable energy and transportation with the launch of its first off-grid electric vehicle (EV) charging station by Charge.co.za on 28 November 2024. Located along the N12 between Klerksdorp and Wolmaransstad, the station is entirely powered by renewable energy, combining a 280kW solar farm of 480 bifacial panels, a 546kWh liquid-cooled battery for energy storage, and a last-resort generator using eco-friendly hydrotreated vegetable oil. Equipped with six fast DC chargers and two slower AC options, the facility offers cutting-edge charging capabilities, including some that can theoretically reach up to 480kW—well beyond what current EVs can handle locally or globally. Additionally, the station provides drivers with convenient amenities like a farm stall, Wi-Fi, and intelligently managed charging to optimize power distribution across multiple vehicles.
This groundbreaking initiative marks just the beginning of Charge’s ambitious plans, which include constructing 120 off-grid passenger EV charging stations by 2026 and another 120 for electric trucks. The decision to operate independently of South Africa’s coal-dominant grid addresses both rising energy demands and the environmental impact of EVs powered by fossil fuel-generated electricity. By partnering with local farm owners and collaborating with provincial governments, Charge is fostering socio-economic growth alongside environmental benefits. With over R21 billion pledged for infrastructure expansion in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, this project is poised to redefine EV adoption in South Africa while mitigating the limitations of traditional energy systems.
