Reitz Interchange – Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) marked a major milestone in South Africa’s transition to electric mobility with the launch of the first of two off-grid, solar-powered EV charging stations along the strategic Johannesburg to Durban N3 corridor.
Positioned on one of the country’s most important freight and transport routes, the launch marks a significant step towards enabling electric passenger and freight mobility at scale and powered entirely off-grid.
The new CHARGE N3 Roadside was launched today, Tuesday, 19 May 2026, at the Reitz Interchange (Exit 107), in the Free State.
A second site, CHARGE N3 Tugela at the Colenso – Winterton Interchange (Exit 207) in KwaZulu-Natal, will officially open tomorrow, 20 May 2026.
“By building off-grid EV charging infrastructure along key transport corridors like the N3, we are reducing dependence on volatile fuel prices while creating greater energy and transport cost stability over the long term,” said Joubert Roux, CHARGE Co-Founder and Chair.
“This is about giving consumers and fleet operators the confidence to transition to electric mobility, knowing the infrastructure exists to support them.
“The future of transport won’t be powered by electric vehicles alone; it will be powered by renewable energy infrastructure.”
This expansion is supported by a R100 million investment from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and forms part of CHARGE’s broader strategy to roll out a national network of off-grid, ultra-fast solar-powered EV charging infrastructure on all major routes across the country.
”The DBSA’s investment in this project reflects our commitment to financing infrastructure that supports South Africa’s energy transition, improves transport resilience, and unlocks inclusive economic growth,” said Gregory Fyfe, Chief Investment Officer, DBSA.
“Innovative models such as CHARGE’s renewable energy-powered charging infrastructure demonstrate how sustainable infrastructure can contribute to decarbonising the transport sector while expanding access to future-ready mobility solutions.”
CHARGE has already demonstrated the viability of its model through its pilot site in Wolmaransstad (CHARGE N12 Wolmaransstad) in the North West province, which has achieved 99% uptime since launching in November 2024.
The N3 rollout builds on this success, scaling EV charging infrastructure to meet both passenger and commercial fleet demand.
Delivered in under five months and on target, the two new N3 charging stations demonstrate the speed and scalability of CHARGE’s off-grid infrastructure model as demand for electric mobility accelerates across South Africa.
Following the launch of the N3 corridor, CHARGE will advance its next major rollout phase along the critical N1 corridor, followed by covering the country with 60 more sites, and then densifying to complete the full 120 network.
Each N3 station is equipped with next-generation technology delivering 50% more charging capacity than the Wolmaransstad pilot site, significantly improving charging speeds.
Each station can charge up to 8 EV’s simultaneously with 3 DC chargers with 6 dispensers, and 2 AC chargers with one dispenser each.
Operating entirely off-grid using solar-powered microgrids and battery storage.
While charging time is vehicle-specific, CHARGE’s DC fast chargers are designed to allow most EVs currently available in South Africa to charge close to their maximum supported power.
On average, a typical EV can charge from 20% to 80% within half an hour, depending on vehicle size and battery configuration.
Payment and charging are facilitated through the CHARGE mobile app, creating a seamless user experience.
Both locations also offer complimentary WiFi, restrooms, and on-site farm stalls – Leeukop Padstal in the Free State and Three Towers Farm Stall in KwaZulu-Natal – where travellers can enjoy refreshments while charging.
Recent market data shows EV adoption in South Africa is accelerating rapidly.
AutoTrader reports that EV searches increased by 45% year-on-year between February and March 2026, while engagement rose by more than 200%.
In March alone, South Africa recorded a record 389 EV sales, driven in part by more affordable models entering the market.
The data signals that electric mobility is no longer a future trend in South Africa; it is becoming a market reality.
Today’s launch was attended by senior officials from the DBSA and the Free State Government as well as representatives from several leading players driving the global transition to electric mobility, including Zimi, SANY, JAC, Wesbank, Geely, Dongfeng, Leap Motors, and Volvo.
Their presence not only reflects the strength of CHARGE’s growing strategic partnerships across the EV and energy ecosystem but also signals increasing confidence in South Africa as a key emerging market for clean transport and charging infrastructure investment.
As transport energy shifts from imported liquid fuels to locally generated electricity, CHARGE’s off-grid infrastructure model is helping lay the foundation for a more energy-secure, cost-stable, and economically resilient transport future.
Scalable charging infrastructure will be critical to unlocking widespread EV adoption and positioning South Africa competitively within the global transition to cleaner mobility.
“South Africa cannot participate in the future of transport without building the renewable energy infrastructure that will power it,” said Roux.
“What we are building is bigger than charging stations; it is the foundation for a new independent transport economy that is more resilient and ultimately more affordable for South Africans.”
