South African clean energy start-up Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) has secured a substantial R100 million equity investment from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). This funding marks a pivotal milestone for the company, which is pioneering the country’s first national network of off-grid, solar-powered ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The investment highlights both financial backing and a strong vote of confidence in CHARGE’s mission to support South Africa’s transition towards a net-zero transport economy.
Driving the Transition to Sustainable Transport
CHARGE aims to deploy ultra-fast EV charging stations strategically every 150 kilometers along all national roads. These stations are unique in that they operate fully off-grid, utilizing solar power combined with battery storage, which reduces dependence on the national grid managed by Eskom. This approach addresses one of the major challenges for EV adoption in South Africa — range anxiety — by ensuring drivers have reliable access to clean, fast charging in even remote areas.
Investment Reflects Confidence in Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
Lebogang Seperepere, Acting Group Executive for Project Preparation at DBSA, emphasized the strategic importance of the investment. She stated that DBSA’s support not only aids the growth of the EV market but also contributes to job creation, economic support, and climate change mitigation. The DBSA’s Product Innovation Unit focuses on catalytic infrastructure projects, making CHARGE’s integrated model of renewable energy, clean mobility, and rural development a natural fit for their mandate.
Empowering Rural Communities Through Inclusive Development
CHARGE’s business model goes beyond providing clean transport infrastructure by fostering local economic benefits. Landowners hosting the charging stations—typically farmers—receive 5% of the stations’ annual electricity revenue, providing a stable income stream that is especially valuable amid climate uncertainties. Furthermore, the presence of these stations supports local jobs and farm stalls, anchoring economic growth and development in rural communities where investment is often scarce.
Leadership Perspectives and Commitment to Delivery
Co-founder and director Andries Malherbe expressed gratitude for DBSA’s faith in the company’s vision, emphasizing that the partnership goes beyond financial support to symbolize shared values. Founder Joubert Roux praised the DBSA’s professionalism throughout the investment process and reaffirmed CHARGE’s determination to deliver on its ambitious rollout plans. Their leadership underscores the company’s readiness to redefine transport infrastructure with a sustainable and inclusive approach.
With this significant injection of capital, Zero Carbon Charge is well-positioned to accelerate the national deployment of solar-powered off-grid EV charging stations, fostering a greener, more resilient transport ecosystem across South Africa. The project not only supports the environmental goals of reducing carbon emissions but also contributes to socio-economic upliftment in rural areas. As the country moves toward a net-zero economy, initiatives like CHARGE’s offer scalable solutions that integrate clean energy innovation with community development.