Enter EVs as the new way of travelling in the future and it is a different story. Yes with battery development and more charging stations going up, range anxiety should become less of a stress factor in your daily commute.

It is, however, not that simple, shall we say, yet?

South Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network is still small compared to those in international markets, but it is developing at a steady pace. As EV adoption grows, the number of public charging points has become a key indicator of readiness for the electric future.

Globally, China has approximately 1 charger per 10 EVs, while Europe has roughly 1 charger per 13 EVs, and the US has about 1 charger per 21 EVs. In South Africa the picture is different. Because EV adoption is still modest, the ratio of EVs to charging stations is relatively low, in some cases appearing better than in mature markets. This is because infrastructure is being built ahead of large-scale adoption.

The country now has around 600 charging stations available to the public with charging points per station that vary. There are some businesses with their own charging stations, which are not open to the public. Charging is split between slow AC and ultra-fast DC chargers. An unspecified number of electric car owners have charging stations installed at their homes.

It is a different picture from the estimated 5 000 petrol and diesel filling stations across the country, which include non-public depots for exclusive industry and agriculture use.

With charging points at home, the question remains as to the need for “5 000” charging stations because you cannot fill up with fuel at home but “filling” you car’s battery with electricity at home is a given.

Currently, most of the EV-charging stations are concentrated mainly in the provinces of Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, covering the metropolitan areas of Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban, as well as the main intercity corridors linking them. Smaller towns and rural areas remain poorly served, although long distance routes are receiving increased attention.

Several key players dominate the South African market, with different strategies for growth. GridCars, one of the earliest entrants, is by far the largest operator in the country. Its footprint extends to most provinces, and it has partnered with major manufacturers to instal ultra-fast charging facilities.

Other major players, also in partnership with vehicle manufacturers, include the likes of Rubicon and Chargify.

Probably the most innovative model is being developed by CHARGE, previously known as Zero Carbon Charge. Unlike its competitors, CHARGE is building off-grid solar powered ultra-fast charging hubs.

Its first site opened in Wolmaransstad in late 2024 with six DC fast chargers and two AC chargers powered by a large solar photovoltaic system with battery storage and renewable compatible backup generators.

The company has set an ambitious target of 120 solar powered stations for passenger vehicles and a further 120 for trucks by 2026, with the aim of spacing sites roughly 150 kilometres apart on national and provincial highways.

This would create a renewable energy backbone that bypasses Eskom’s coal heavy supply and avoids the disruptions of loadshedding. The Development Bank of Southern Africa has taken an equity stake to support the roll-out, showing the strategic importance of the initiative.

While CHARGE’s footprint is still tiny compared to GridCars or Rubicon, its model is unique. If successful, it would make South Africa one of the first countries with a national off-grid renewable charging network.

Factors that influence charging tariffs:

Charger speed (power) matters: faster chargers (higher kW) cost more per kWh because the infrastructure and demand charges are higher.

Location & operator: premium malls, dealerships, restricted-access sites tend to charge more.

Time of day / demand season: municipal or Eskom time-of-use tariffs can make residential (home) charging much cheaper at off-peak times.

Some AC chargers (especially slower ones, or ones hosted by businesses) may even be free.