This is the first renewable-energy-powered EV-charging station in South Africa and will form part of the country’s first national network of 120 solar-powered charging facilities that CHARGE will be rolling out on major highways at 150km intervals over the coming year.

The station was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was attended by the Deputy Minister of Electricity, Samantha Graham-Maré, North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, and Maquassi Hills’ Local Municipality Mayor, Mzwandile Feliti.

“We are thrilled to be officially opening our first off-grid charging station, which marks a significant milestone in South Africa’s transition to EVs and a carbon-free future. This has been a three year-journey, highlighting our commitment to making our off-grid network a reality as we believe it will benefit South Africans in multiple ways,” says Joubert Roux, Executive Chairperson of CHARGE.

The off-grid EV-charging station in Wolmaransstad boasts six state-of-the-art DC fast charging points for EVs, and two AC-charging points for plug-in hybrids. The DC fast chargers are able to charge a vehicle in about 25 minutes.

Motorists will also be able to enjoy a cup of coffee and a bite to eat at the farm stall located at the station. CHARGE has developed an app available for both Android and iOS customers that will offer a seamless, user-friendly experience for managing their charging needs and transactions at its EV-charging stations.

Commenting on the event, Deputy Minister Graham-Maré says they are actively driving renewable energy investments in South Africa. “I am truly inspired to see the determination and passion that the CHARGE team has displayed in driving this incredible development. It just shows that South Africans can solve any problem through innovation.

“The project is also aligned with the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan, which will be launched early next year. The plan’s focus is on renewables driving local manufacturing, which will support projects such as CHARGE’s where off-grid EV-charging stations will be developed at scale,” Deputy Minister Graham-Maré noted.

“We are grateful for the immense support shown by the North West Provincial Government and the Maquassi Hills Municipality. They were the first government entities in the country to grant approval for the construction of our off-grid charging stations including the one we are launching in Wolmaransstad today,” Joubert commented.

North West Province is pioneering clean, green infrastructure critical to our country’s energy transition. We are pleased that other provinces are following suit with MOUs recently signed with the provincial governments of Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Northern Cape and the Eastern Cape,” he said.

MEC Lenkopane expressed her support for the project: “I am proud to be part of this momentous occasion for both the province and the country. CHARGE’s EV-charging network will help us create more economic opportunities for surrounding communities.”

The Wolmaransstad charging facility, along with the entire network of 120 charging stations, will create an income stream for landowners on which these facilities are built. Landowners will earn 5% of the revenue generated from vehicles charged on their land.

Mayor Feliti highlighted the job opportunities that will be created by the Wolmaransstad station: “The project has already created jobs for local community members during the construction phase, with the charging station employing local staff permanently for its operational management. Local farmers will benefit from supplying the farm stall with fresh produce.”