The Free State province in South Africa is embarking on an ambitious journey to embrace electric mobility by investing a substantial sum of $234 million to establish the first-ever global network of solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. This groundbreaking initiative is the result of a collaboration between Zero Carbon Charge (ZCC), a company specializing in clean energy infrastructure, and the provincial government of the Free State.
The scope of the project is extensive, with plans to set up 120 charging stations throughout the province. Of these, 75 will cater to the needs of passenger vehicles, while the remaining 45 are designated for electric trucks. The timeline for the project is clear, with an expected completion date set for September 2025.
Free State Minister Thabo Meeko has highlighted the multifaceted benefits of this initiative, emphasizing that it goes beyond providing off-grid EV charging solutions. The project is poised to be a catalyst for socio-economic growth, offering job creation opportunities and fostering skill development within the burgeoning clean energy sector.
In a move that is both innovative and environmentally conscious, ZCC’s charging stations will derive their power solely from solar energy. This design choice ensures that the stations will operate independently of South Africa’s national power grid, thus safeguarding them from the country’s frequent power outages. Moreover, this approach is in harmony with the nation’s broader environmental objectives, which include a shift away from its traditional coal-powered electricity generation.
ZCC has pointed out the environmental advantages of solar-powered charging, presenting it as a sustainable and emission-free alternative to the current electricity supply provided by Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned power company.
The reach of this project is extensive, with plans to span across 13 municipalities within the Free State province. This strategic distribution of charging stations is intended to make electric vehicle charging facilities more accessible to a larger segment of the population.
The establishment of these solar-powered EV charging stations in the Free State is just one component of ZCC’s larger vision, which includes the development of a national network comprising 240 charging stations powered by renewable energy. These stations will serve both passenger and commercial electric vehicles.
With research indicating that electric vehicles may represent a significant share of new car sales in South Africa by the year 2030, the construction of this infrastructure is seen as a critical step in preparing for a future where electric mobility is the norm.
