Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE), South Africa’s first company to pioneer a national network of off-grid, solar-powered ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, announced a R100 million equity investment from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).
This strategic investment marks a significant endorsement of CHARGE’s mission to build climate-resilient infrastructure and accelerate South Africa’s transition to a net-zero transport economy, the company says.
“This show of faith by the DBSA is not just financial — it is symbolic. We are truly grateful,” says Andries Malherbe, Director and Co-founder of CHARGE.
The funding will enable the roll-out of CHARGE’s ultra-fast charging stations every 150km along all national roads. Each site is fully off-grid, powered by solar energy and supported by battery storage — eliminating reliance on Eskom and addressing range anxiety for EV drivers across the country.
Lebogang Seperepere, Acting Group Executive for Project Preparation at the DBSA, commented: “As the DBSA we continue to work with our partners to find solutions that benefit the economy and society at large. We are happy to have invested R100 million 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.”
Beyond clean transport, CHARGE’s model creates meaningful impact to the rural economy:
• Landowners receive 5% of annual electricity revenue, offering a stable income stream, especially during climate volatility.
• Local jobs and farm stalls are supported around each site, anchoring economic growth in rural communities.
“I commend the DBSA for its unwavering professionalism and commitment throughout the due diligence process,” says Joubert Roux, Founder of Zero Carbon Charge. “We are honoured by their support and are determined to deliver.”
The DBSA’s Product Innovation Unit is designed to back catalytic infrastructure projects that deliver environmental and socio-economic returns at a macro scale. CHARGE’s integrated approach—combining renewable energy, clean mobility and inclusive rural development — exemplifies this mandate.
ZF Aftermarket has named Maic Dressen as Managing Director of ZF Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd and Sub-regional Head for Sub-Saharan Africa and the DomTom regions. He will lead the company’s South African operations and support its growth across the continent.
Volkswagen has marked 75 years of vehicle production and sales in South Africa with a gala event in Kariega attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, while also revealing the new Volkswagen Tengo, the third model to be built at the local plant. The Tengo will be produced for the South African and wider markets.
BAIC South Africa used the Festival of Motoring 2026 at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit to highlight both its established range and new energy vehicle ambitions. The event marked the first public appearance of ARCFOX in South Africa, alongside the unveiling of BAIC’s X55 Plug‑in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.
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You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
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BAIC South Africa used the Festival of Motoring 2026 at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit to highlight both its established range and new energy vehicle ambitions. The event marked the first public appearance of ARCFOX in South Africa, alongside the unveiling of BAIC’s X55 Plug‑in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.
When Volvo introduced the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric to South Africa in late 2021, the timing raised eyebrows. The country was enduring a severe power crisis, with loadshedding recorded on 200 days that year.
Three months after launching its off-grid, solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging network on the N3 corridor, Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) has confirmed plans to double charging capacity at both Charge hubs.
