Zero Carbon Charge has achieved a landmark moment in South Africa's transition to electric mobility, breaking ground on two ultra-fast charging stations powered entirely by solar energy along one of the nation's busiest transport arteries.
Strategic Positioning Along Major Route
The two facilities, CHARGE N3 Roadside and CHARGE N3 Tugela, are strategically positioned along the N3 corridor, with the Free State location sitting 180 kilometres from Johannesburg and the KwaZulu-Natal site approximately 200 kilometres from Durban. These installations represent the inaugural phase of Zero Carbon Charge's ambitious plan to establish 120 off-grid charging stations nationwide, creating what the company claims will be South Africa's first comprehensive renewable-powered EV charging network.
Financial backing from the Development Bank of Southern Africa has proved crucial in transforming this vision into reality, providing the equity investment necessary to commence construction on both sites.
Economic and Environmental Dividends
Provincial officials attending the respective sod-turning ceremonies highlighted the multi-faceted benefits of the development. At the KwaZulu-Natal event near Winterton, MEC the Reverend Zondi articulated the strategic importance: "The project demonstrates how green energy and green mobility can unlock new economic opportunities for the province. The N3 is central to trade and tourism in KZN, and the arrival of fully off-grid, ultra-fast charging infrastructure shows our readiness to lead in the future economy. This is exactly the type of investment that creates jobs, builds capacity and strengthens our green industrialisation pathway."
In the Free State, MEC Ketso Makume echoed these sentiments: "By decarbonising transport along the N3, this project supports our provincial goals for a cleaner, more resilient economy. It brings construction and technical jobs into our communities and strengthens the Free State's position in the emerging clean-energy value chain."
Building a Sustainable Transport Future
Joubert Roux, Executive Chairman and Founder of Zero Carbon Charge, acknowledged the collaborative achievement: "We are grateful to the DBSA for believing in CHARGE's vision and providing the investment that has made these N3 sites possible. We also pay tribute to our team, whose dedication and hard work have brought us to this momentous occasion. These first N3 stations represent the beginning of a national transformation, creating reliable, renewable and accessible charging for all South Africans."
With construction expected to conclude in 2026, both stations will establish a green charging corridor connecting Johannesburg and Durban.
For more information about CHARGE visit www.charge.co.za
