FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 3 February 2026
Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) is on schedule to complete construction of the next two off-grid EV charging station developments of CHARGE N3 Roadside and CHARGE N3 Tugela. This marks a major leap forward for electric mobility by unlocking South Africa’s busiest freight and passenger vehicle corridor between Johannesburg and Durban, before June 2026.
This milestone is made possible by the R100 million investment by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) in CHARGE, with the N3 rollout as a prerequisite. The result will allow the N3 to be unlocked for EV travellers travelling through Johannesburg and Durban — reliably, sustainably, and at scale.
Commenting on the economic opportunity and further development plans, Joubert Roux, co-founder of CHARGE, stated:
“This milestone sends an unmistakable signal: EV infrastructure in South Africa is moving — and moving fast. With the N3 now unlocking for electric travel, the next priority is the N1, extending reliable, off-grid, ultra-fast charging along the country’s most critical long-distance routes.”
For EV brands, dealerships, and sales teams, this is the moment to act. The argument that electric vehicles cannot handle long-distance travel no longer holds. With dedicated, solar-powered highway charging becoming operational, EVs are now a practical, everyday choice, rather than a future concept. The infrastructure is arriving. The opportunity is real.
These stations are first-of-their-kind in South Africa, purpose-built, operating entirely off-grid, powered solely by solar energy and battery storage. No grid dependence. No compromise on speed or reliability.
They’re also electric truck-ready. CHARGE has recently demonstrated seamless simultaneous charging of two electric trucks provided by SANY Trucks as demonstration on the 15th of January 2026, alongside four passenger EVs at its first charging station in Wolmaransstad— proving that ultra-fast, off-grid charging can serve heavy-duty freight and everyday motorists at the same time.
Beyond charging, each site introduces a new-generation farmstall experience — complete with CHARGE’s signature yellow roof and a ‘guest-first’ ethos. Expect great air-roasted coffee, free Wi-Fi, spotless ablutions, and a curated selection of freshly prepared local foods and retail goods. It’s not just a place to stop at, it’s a tourist destination with a curated special experience — while your EV or electric truck charges.
As Roux puts it:
“Each charging station is not only focused on charging — it’s all about our guests enjoying the experience and feeling welcome. We no longer refer to consumers; we refer to guests. All South Africans — whether you drive an EV or are still thinking about migrating — are welcome at any CHARGE station, and to be part of the family.”
With only four months to go, CHARGE is excited to show more of its custom designed, off-grid, solar-powered, ultra-fast EV charging stations and welcoming an entire national route experience to charge your EV.
Site locations
- CHARGE N3 Roadside — On the N3 at the Reitz Roadside Interchange (Exit 107, West side)
- CHARGE N3 Tugela — On the N3 at the Colenso–Winterton Interchange (Exit 207, West side)
ENDS
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