Johannesburg – Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE), South Africa’s pioneer in developing a nationwide network of off-grid, solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, has secured a R100 million equity investment from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).
This funding accelerates the country’s shift toward a net-zero transport economy while reinforcing climate-resilient infrastructure.
Andries Malherbe, Director and Co-founder of CHARGE, expressed gratitude for the investment, stating: “This show of faith by the DBSA is not just financial – it is symbolic. We are truly grateful.”
The capital injection will support CHARGE’s mission to install ultra-fast EV charging stations every 150 km along national roads.
Each site operates completely off-grid, powered by solar energy and battery storage, eliminating dependence on Eskom and alleviating range anxiety for EV drivers.
Lebogang Seperepere, Acting Group Executive for Project Preparation at DBSA, emphasized the broader impact: “We are happy to have invested R100 million in support of Zero Carbon Charge’s off-grid EV charging, which will not only assist in growing the EV market in South Africa, but also create jobs, support the economy, and mitigate climate change”.
Beyond advancing clean mobility, CHARGE’s model delivers tangible benefits to rural economies.
Landowners hosting charging stations receive 5% of annual electricity revenue, providing a stable income stream amid climate uncertainty.
Additionally, each site fosters local job creation and supports farm stalls, stimulating economic activity in underserved regions.
Joubert Roux, Founder of Zero Carbon Charge, praised the DBSA’s role, saying: “I commend the DBSA for its unwavering professionalism and commitment throughout the due diligence process. We are honoured by their support and determined to deliver.”
The DBSA’s Product Innovation Unit focuses on high-impact infrastructure projects that drive environmental and socio-economic progress.
CHARGE’s integrated approach, merging renewable energy, EV infrastructure, and rural development, aligns perfectly with this vision.
With this R100 million investment, Zero Carbon Charge is set to transform South Africa’s transportation landscape, proving that sustainable energy and inclusive growth can go hand in hand.
*This article first appeared in our sister publication techfinancials.co.za
