Zero Carbon Charge

25/05/2026

We did it. CHARGE unlocked the N3 corridor!

Last week, we commissioned two brand new entirely off-grid, solar-powered ultra-fast EV charging stations between Johannesburg and Durban. This will now allow any EV or electric truck driver to travel long-distance, showing that electric mobility in South Africa is no longer theoretical - it is operational.

A huge thank you to the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) for their belief in our vision, and for backing us with a R100 million investment. We are grateful for the chance, and to show South Africa that we can do this. The launch comes at a critical time as South Africans seek greater energy and transport independence amid rising fuel volatility.

This launch was not only memorable in that we delivered, but we proved to ourselves as a team that our business model of charging up to 20 EVs in the first phase while demand grows was a safe estimate, and that we are able to deliver more in consuption and through our sophisticated tech.

Over two days, more than 25 electric vehicles and electric trucks charged entirely off-grid, consuming over 1 MWh of solar powered energy — surpassing the original design expectations of our sites. CHARGE also achieved record charging speeds for Volvo Car South Africa, as well as the SANY trucks at the launch. This demonstrates that renewable-powered infrastructure can support both passenger EVs and commercial electric freight at scale.

Its one thing to hear about it, and another to see it in action - seeing is believing! Powered by solar energy, battery storage, and ultra-fast charging technology, CHARGE has now delivered visible proof that South Africa’s future transport infrastructure can be reliable, scalable, and independent from both oil volatility and grid constraints.

The N3 is only the beginning. Following this successful corridor rollout, CHARGE will scale toward the next national corridor on the N1, followed by a national network designed to power the future of electric mobility across South Africa.

25/05/2026

Let’s torque trucks!

Electric trucks are streaming into South Africa – and we’re keeping track of them so that you don’t have to 💭

First up: the JAC X200 EV
This Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) charges from 20% - 80% in only 35 minutes with DC fast charging, and can travel up to 230km on a single charge!

What’s more, we’re opening up South Africa for e-trucks with both our electric fleet solutions, and our EV charging stations on the N3 and the N12.

24/05/2026

A NEW CHARGE RECORD 🚨
In the News: ‘New electric car charging record in South Africa’ - by MyBroadband

‘Zero Carbon Charge and Volvo Car South Africa set a new record for the fastest electric vehicle (EV) charging speed recorded in the country on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

A Volvo ES90 achieved the record at the launch of the Charge N3 Tugela station at the Three Towers Farm Stall in KwaZulu-Natal.

Zero Carbon Charge’s head of software, Philip Nel, said the premium saloon charged from 9% to 80% in 21 minutes.

The car achieved a maximum charging speed of 321.28kW and filled its battery with 67.95kWh, enough to add about 320km of range based on its advertised consumption figures.’

We are beyond proud of this, we have put heart and soul into our hardware and technology, and to see this happen is a big moment to share. And now, we can’t wait for what’s to come! 🔋🔋🔋

Zero Carbon Charge and Volvo Cars set a new record for the fastest electric vehicle charging speed in South Africa at the recently opened Charge N3 Tugela station on Wednesday.

24/05/2026

“ ‘Game-changing’ solar-powered EV charging network set up along busy N3 📰 Stations operate off-grid, using solar energy” - by Edward Makwana, Sunday World Newspaper

Thank you, Edward, for supporting us and attending the launch of the N3 off-grid EV charging stations! 🔋🚛🚗

23/05/2026

23/05/2026

23/05/2026

Diesel fleets are going electric!
Book a free fleet analysis and assess your savings potential.

Electric trucks are already operating in South Africa today, and for fleets running predictable daily routes, the economics are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

While diesel price hikes and oil volatility continue to put pressure on business margins, electric trucks powered by solar depot charging offer lower operating costs per kilometre, greater control over energy and operating costs, and better long-term planning and budgeting. Businesses also benefit from lower maintenance requirements, reduced emissions, cleaner logistics operations, and a more future-ready fleet model.

Follow the link and fill in the online form to see you how much your company can save...
https://charge.co.za/electric-fleet-solutions/

22/05/2026

Back from a road trip where I took the fully electric R760 000 Geely E5 Apex on a trip to KZN from Joburg to test out the new chargers on the N3 which are provided by Zero Carbon Charge. I won’t lie, I have less range anxiety now. What are your thoughts?

21/05/2026

For the last few months, I’ve been completely wrapped up in a project that I’m genuinely so excited about — not just because of the work itself, but because it aligns so closely with something I really believe in. Anyone who knows me knows how important sustainability is to me, so when I got a call in February from Joubert Roux from Zero Carbon Charge asking if I’d be interested in putting together a landscaping proposal for a new charging site in Winterton, I was immediately intrigued.

At that point, I knew of the site… but I didn’t fully understand what it stood for.

A few days later, I met Joubert on-site and, honestly, I was blown away. These charging stations are the first in the world to be completely off-grid. That means not only are they better for the environment, but loadshedding won’t affect them at all. How amazing is that? What also impressed me was how intentionally Charge has worked to keep their environmental footprint to an absolute minimum. The sites have been carefully designed to work with the surrounding environment rather than against it, encouraging the regeneration and growth of the natural flora already occurring in the area.

The brief I was given was simple: design a planting plan using only indigenous plants or plants that provide food. That was all I needed — I was hooked. Sustainability is definitely my favourite buzzword!

The Winterton site has pretty poor soil, so we’ve kept things fully indigenous (even the lawn!). Then not long after, I was asked to put together a proposal for another site on the N3 at Roadside in the Free State, where the soil is slightly better so we could incorporate fruit trees and herbs as well. But what really makes this project special goes beyond the plants. Local trades have been used to build the sites, bringing much-needed income into the community and creating opportunities for people local to each site. I could honestly talk about this project all day, how exciting it is, and what a privilege it feels like to be part of something so forward-thinking.

Both sites had their grand openings this week and are a resounding success. It’s incredibly exciting to be a part of this project and the movement in such a positive direction. Today, I’m simply taking a moment to appreciate being given this incredible opportunity and looking forward to helping unlock the next major route in South Africa.

Do yourself a favour and pop into the Farmstalls (Three Towers Farm Stall, Winterton and Leeukop Padstal, Roadside), even if you don’t have an electric vehicle. The coffee is amazing, the toilets are spotless and it is such a pleasant break in your journey.

21/05/2026

✨ We are officially open!

Welcome to Three Towers Farm Stall & EV Charging Station 🌾⚡️

Pop in, grab a coffee, recharge and experience the magic for yourself.

📍 N3 Winterton Interchange, Exit 207

20/05/2026

Back to back opening days at and and the support has been incredible. From the first coffees poured to the last travellers stopping in, we couldn’t have asked for a better start.

A massive thank you to everyone who pulled in, explored the stores, grabbed a bite, charged up, and supported these new stops along the N3. The excitement around both farm stalls has been something special to see.

Here’s to many more road trips, good food, great coffee, and memorable stops ahead. More great memories to be shared soon!