South Africa’s Zero Carbon Charge, which has built a national network of off-grid, solar-powered ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, has announced a ZAR100 million (US$5.6 million) equity investment from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).
Zero Carbon Charge has developed a decentralised energy generation model that produces power directly at the point of consumption and sale, ensuring a sustainable and reliable energy supply for electric mobility.
The startup has raised ZAR100 million (US$5.6 million) from DBSA, which it said marks a significant endorsement of its mission to build climate-resilient infrastructure and accelerate South Africa’s transition to a net-zero transport economy.
The funding will enable the rollout of Zero Carbon Charge’s ultra-fast charging stations every 150km along all national roads. Each site is fully off-grid, powered by solar energy and supported by battery storage – eliminating reliance on Eskom, and addressing range anxiety for EV drivers across the country.
“This show of faith by the DBSA is not just financial – it is symbolic. We are truly grateful,” said Andries Malherbe, director and co-founder of Zero Carbon Charge.
