Mercedes-Benz South Africa is advancing its sustainability strategy for South Africa through a substantial investment in the local electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
As the demand for EVs continues to grow, ensuring a robust infrastructure is essential and to meet this need, Mercedes-Benz South Africa is taking proactive steps to expand the local charging network by investing in over 120 charging stations across South Africa.
In collaboration with Chargify, a Level 2 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) company, Mercedes-Benz is working to expand its presence in the local charging infrastructure. Chargify is actively deploying AC and fast charging DC-charging stations along the main routes, between metropolitan areas, including airports, shopping malls, restaurant hubs, private hospitals, strategic expansion sites, residential estates and small towns throughout South Africa.
“The partnership with Chargify not only gives us the opportunity to grow the share of the local EV-charging network but also reaffirms Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s ambition to expand its Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) portfolio. Our ESD programme is aimed at making a real and lasting impact towards the transformation of the country through the creation of sustainable and meaningful jobs,” says Abey Kgotle, Executive Director: Human Resources & Corporate Affairs Mercedes-Benz South Africa.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa's initial investment in the EQ-charging network amounts to R15 million, with an additional R25 million earmarked for the second phase of the roll-out.
Phase 1 involves the installation of 67 Mercedes-Benz EQ-branded charging stations across South Africa by quarter one of 2024. This investment is aimed at not only providing current customers with a reliable charging network but also to instil confidence in those considering the switch to electric vehicle ownership.
Phase 2 will see the implementation of over 60 additional charging stations, bringing the total to 127 Mercedes-Benz EQ-branded charging stations, strategically positioned in key areas.
Already, some locations feature Mercedes-Benz EQ-branded charging infrastructure, including BT Ngebs Mall and Mayfair Hotel in Mthatha – with this installation, an EV driver can now travel from Durban to Cape Town; Woodhill Estate and Country Club; Da Vinci Hotel in Sandton; Champagne Castle in the Drakensberg; Highwayman’s in Pilgrims Rest; Courtyard Sandton, and Silvermist Wine Estate. Other locations, such as The Plettenberg Hotel, The Wilderness Hotel, Swartberg Hotel in Prince Albert, and Karoo Junction Mall in Beaufort West, to name a few, are currently in the installation phase.
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.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
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.
