South Africa’s Zero Carbon Charge Raises $5.6M Funding from DBSA

South Africa’s Zero Carbon Charge has successfully raised $5.6 million in funding from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), marking a significant step forward in the country’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure development. This funding, equivalent to ZAR100 million, will support the expansion of Zero Carbon Charge’s national network of off-grid, solar-powered ultra-fast EV charging stations.

Zero Carbon Charge has created a unique decentralized energy model that generates power directly where it is used, ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy supply for electric vehicles. This approach eliminates dependence on the national electricity grid, which is often unreliable due to frequent blackouts. Each charging station is fully off-grid, powered by solar energy and supported by battery storage, making the network resilient and environmentally friendly.

With the $5.6 million funding from DBSA, Zero Carbon Charge plans to roll out ultra-fast charging stations every 150 kilometers along all major national roads in South Africa. This strategic placement aims to solve a major challenge for EV drivers known as “range anxiety”, the fear of running out of power without a nearby charging point. By providing accessible and fast charging options, the company hopes to encourage more South Africans to switch to electric vehicles.

Zero Carbon Charge raises $5.6m funding from DBSA

The first of these stations was launched in November 2024 along the N12 highway at Farm Palmiet in Wolmaransstad, North West province. This station features up to six DC fast chargers and two AC chargers for plug-in hybrids. The DC chargers can fully charge an EV in about 25 minutes, making them some of the fastest in the country. The station also offers a comfortable roadside stop with a farm stall selling coffee and snacks, enhancing the user experience while they wait for their vehicles to charge.

Zero Carbon Charge has also developed a mobile app for Android and iOS that simplifies the charging process. The app allows users to handle transactions, check real-time charger availability, and get travel support, making EV travel more convenient and user-friendly.

The DBSA’s investment is not only financial but also symbolic, showing strong support for Zero Carbon Charge’s mission to build climate-resilient infrastructure and accelerate South Africa’s transition to a net-zero transport economy. Lebogang Seperepere, acting group executive for project preparation at DBSA, highlighted the broader benefits of this investment, including job creation, economic support, and climate change mitigation.

Zero Carbon Charge’s director and co-founder, Andries Malherbe, expressed gratitude for DBSA’s faith in their vision, emphasizing the importance of this partnership in driving sustainable transport solutions in South Africa.

This funding and expansion effort align with South Africa’s national goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy. The move towards solar-powered EV charging stations supports the country’s commitment to a greener future by cutting reliance on fossil fuels and the unstable national grid.

South Africa’s Zero Carbon Charge raises $5.6 million funding from DBSA to build a network of solar-powered, off-grid ultra-fast EV charging stations across the country. This initiative will help make electric vehicle travel more practical and sustainable, supporting the country’s environmental goals while creating jobs and boosting the economy.

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