Massive R1 billion boost for electric vehicles in South Africa
A South African electric vehicle (EV) charging station contractor has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with an energy storage systems manufacturer that will bring 120 renewable supercharge stations across South Africa to the value of R1 billion.
Zero Carbon Charge has signed a MOU with Chinese energy storage systems manufacturer Shanghai Magic Power Tech – also known as Magic Power – and its local partner Greencore Energy Solutions to build and import the first-of-its-kind integrated supercharging systems.
The company said the 120 renewable charging stations are currently being rolled out across South Africa.
“This technology means that motorists using Zero Carbon Charge’s off-grid, solar-powered charging stations will be able to charge any electric vehicle at its maximum charging rate,” it added.
“The first batch of superchargers is expected to arrive in South Africa before July, which means that – pending regulatory approvals – we are on track to have our full network of 120 solar-powered charging facilities operational by September 2025,” said Zero Carbon Charge’s Co-founder and Director, Joubert Roux.
The MOU follows Zero Carbon Charge’s trip to China at the end of last year to source products to establish its completely off-grid national charging network.
This trip was the culmination of a long development process with their partners. Once completed, this network will be a first for South Africa and the rest of the world.
The 480 kW liquid-cooled supercharger systems supplied by Magic Power and Greencore Energy Solutions will seamlessly integrate with the solar PV generation and battery storage at each of the 120 charging stations.
The government’s own draft Integrated Resource Plan 2023 has shown that South Africa’s national predominantly coal-fired grid will not be able to cope with the demands imposed on it by the mass charging of EVs.
To stabilise the grid and end load shedding faster, prioritisation must be given to the roll-out of off-grid powered EVs.
In addition, if South Africa is to reach its global emissions targets, it is essential that renewable energy (and not electricity sourced from coal) is used to power EVs: an EV charged with Eskom’s coal-fired electricity emits 5.3 metric tonnes of carbon emissions in a year whereas a petrol vehicle, on average, emits 4.4 metric tonnes of carbon emissions in a year if driven over the same distance.
“Zero Carbon Charge looks forward to working with its commercial partners and government stakeholders to provide catalytic solutions for the adoption of EVs.
“We are proud to help position South Africa as a global frontrunner in the move towards cleaner EV energy sources,” added Andries Malherbe, Co-Founder and Director of Zero Carbon Charge.
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