Innovation

Pumping power: The Charge N3 Roadside station at the Leeukop Padstal on the N3.

On an overcast day in November last year, there were two small sod-turning events on the sides of the N3 highway to mark the start of construction of a pair of solar-powered, ultra-fast EV charging stations. Almost exactly five months later, there were two rather more grand ceremonies as dozens of dignitaries in sleek EVs pulled into the stations to celebrate as the first electrons started to flow.

Zero Carbon Charge owns the charging stations, and it secured a R100mn investment from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). Speaking at the launch at the Reits turnoff on the N3, Spiwe Sibanda, DBSA’s head of product innovation, said Charge was seen as a market leader, and it had supported the company because it was “brave”. It plans to partner with other investors to fund chargers on the N1 highway and other major routes, which should make it easier and more affordable to move goods between Durban and Johannesburg.