14 May 2024
Zero Carbon Charge, in partnership with the Free State provincial government, today launched the R4.3 billion provincial rollout of a network of solar-powered, off-grid, ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the province by signing a collaborative memorandum of understanding (MoU).
The rollout will see the construction of 15 electric passenger vehicle charging stations and 7 electric truck charging stations by Zero Carbon Charge and Zero Carbon Logistics respectively. This network will be completed by September 2025.
They will form part of the 120 renewable energy electric passenger vehicle charging stations and the 120 electric truck charging stations that Zero Carbon Charge and Zero Carbon Logistics are building across the country, strategically spaced on national routes in rural areas.
The launch took place in Bloemfontein and was attended by the MEC of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA), Thabo Meeko, MEC of Finance, Gadija Brown and co-founder of Zero Carbon Charge, Joubert Roux.
In his opening remarks, MEC Meeko commented on the off-grid EV charging station network rollout in the province: “It is encouraging to see that through the Free State’s energy indaba and investment conference, we are attracting private investors that see the potential of the Free State as being an energy hub for the country. We recognise Zero Carbon Charge as a key private partner who will promote not only electric vehicles charging stations that are off-grid, but who will promote socio-economic benefits such as job creation and skills development, while supporting green mobility and energy resilience. We are proud to be the first province to launch an off-grid EV charging network.”
“By supporting our project, MEC Meeko is pioneering a new era of sustainable transportation in the Free State. Our off-grid electric vehicle (EV) charging network will not only reduce the province’s carbon footprint but also stimulate local economic growth, creating new opportunities for small businesses, communities and farmers,” said Joubert Roux.
This investment by Zero Carbon Charge and Zero Carbon Logistics to establish the 15 electric passenger vehicle and 7 electric truck charging stations in the province is set to be worth R4.3 billion. It will create thousands of jobs in the immediate first phase, as well as over the long term, establish a thriving EV economy within the Free State’s special economic zone, and support energy resilience within the province.
Landowners will earn 5% of the revenue generated from vehicle-charging on their land, whilst 1% of the total revenue from charging will also be reinvested in local socio-economic development initiatives.
Crucially, Zero Carbon Charge’s off-grid charging stations will continue to operate uninterrupted during loadshedding and will provide a clean zero-emission alternative to charging from Eskom’s primarily dirty coal-powered grid.
“We’re thrilled to partner with DESTEA to introduce innovative green tech to the province. Zero Carbon Charge is dedicated to collaborating with government entities at all levels to drive the growth of sustainable charging solutions across South Africa, aligning with green energy policies and enhancing energy security nationwide,” said Roux.
The electric vehicle charging sites will be located in the following local municipalities in the Free State:
- Mohokare
- Ngwathe
- Metsimaholo
- Mafube
- Tokologo
- Maluti-a-Phofung
- Mangaung
- Dihlabeng
- Kopanong
- Phumelela
- Moqhaka
- Mantsopa
- Masilonyana
Media Enquiries:
DOWNLOAD PRESS PACK:
