Zero Carbon Charge urged South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to announce a comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) strategy during the upcoming State of the Nation Address.

This initiative is a crucial step in South Africa’s transition to sustainable transportation, aiming to cut carbon emissions while addressing the needs of the automotive industry and the public.

Zero Carbon Charge recently unveiled South Africa’s first off-grid EV charging station near Wolmaransstad. Powered entirely by solar energy, the station uses 480 bifacial solar panels generating up to 280 kW of electricity.

It also features a 546 kWh liquid-cooled battery to ensure a stable power supply, even when solar generation is low. The station has six DC charging points, with four capable of delivering up to 480 kW each, allowing for rapid EV charging. This milestone highlights the country’s growing commitment to clean energy mobility.

As part of a larger vision, Zero Carbon Charge plans to roll out 240 similar off-grid charging stations nationwide. These stations will provide essential infrastructure for EVs while creating economic opportunities for local farmers, who will host the facilities on their land.

This partnership offers an additional income stream for landowners, supporting agricultural resilience in drought-prone regions.

In addition to expanding charging infrastructure, Zero Carbon Charge supports recent government initiatives aimed at boosting local EV manufacturing.

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A new tax incentive allows manufacturers to deduct 150% of the costs associated with producing electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

While this is a positive step, industry experts emphasize the need for further regulatory action, particularly in lowering the 25% import duties on EVs.

These high tariffs make electric vehicles expensive, slowing their adoption in the South African market.

South Africa’s energy landscape also plays a critical role in shaping the EV sector. The country’s electricity grid remains heavily dependent on coal, raising concerns about the carbon footprint of charging EVs from fossil-fuel-generated power.

Studies show that an EV charged from South Africa’s coal-powered grid could emit more CO2 annually than a petrol car.

This underscores the importance of renewable energy and off-grid charging solutions in ensuring that electric mobility delivers true environmental benefits.

The potential advantages of an EV transition are immense. Research by Zero Carbon Charge suggests that if South Africa shifts to zero-emission EVs powered by renewables, it could cut approximately 97 million tonnes of CO2 emissions by 2050.

This aligns with national goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality, particularly in urban areas.

As South Africa reaches a pivotal moment in its transportation transition, Zero Carbon Charge’s call for a comprehensive EV strategy presents an opportunity for meaningful change.

Collaboration between government, industry, and local communities will be essential to drive this shift.

The upcoming State of the Nation Address could serve as a key moment for advancing these goals, ensuring that South Africa remains competitive in the global push toward electric mobility.