Funky wheels: China’s big drive in South Africa
No, the Chinese are not coming to take over – they are already busy accomplishing it.
- Industry News
- 4 May 2026
New to the EV game and uncertain where to recharge?
Electric vehicle upstart, Zimi Charge, has the answer. This Cape Town-based company has launched a mobile app that helps you both find a charging station for your EV and pay for the recharge with the app.
The company is aiming to eventually give EV drivers access to 10 000 charging stations. It also hopes to roll out 1000 of its own over the next three years.
There will be two options for customers: AC and DC fast chargers. AC chargers are slower, while DC fast chargers are more suitable for drivers who want to top up quickly.
The company will charge R4.99 per kWh on its AC chargers and R5.99 per kWh on its DC chargers.
Consumers will be able to charge vehicles that have type 2-socket or wall-socket connections with an adaptor.
The app is available for Android and iOS, and users will be able to see which stations are powered using renewables.
Zimi Charge also has fleet and other solutions available.
GridCars is currently the operator of the largest charging network with over 300 charging stations.
No, the Chinese are not coming to take over – they are already busy accomplishing it.
Motorists and households already under pressure will have to dig deeper into their pockets yet again from Wednesday, with sharp fuel and energy price hikes taking effect across South Africa.
Marcia Mayaba, Commercial Director at Dunlop Tyres South Africa, has been recognised as the top achiever at the recently held Woman of Stature Awards South Africa.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) welcomes the government’s extension of short term fuel levy relief measures aimed at cushioning consumers from rising fuel prices, but cautions that these interventions do not address the underlying structural challenge facing South Africa’s transport economy.
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