South Africa’s EV charging network is expanding quickly, with over 800 public stations as of January 2026. Key highlights:
- Growth Rate: The network grew from 200 stations in 2022 to 800+ in 2026, supporting ~5,000 monthly charging sessions.
- Coverage: Major highways (N1, N2, N3) now connect cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, with Gauteng leading in station count (350+).
- Charging Costs: DC fast charging costs $0.38–$0.40/kWh, while AC charging is $0.32/kWh. Home charging remains the cheapest at $0.14–$0.22/kWh.
- Innovations: Solar-powered, off-grid hubs by CHARGE address grid issues, while BYD introduces ultra-fast chargers delivering 249 miles of range in 5 minutes.
- Government Support: Tax incentives, a $52.8M budget, and regional investments are driving EV adoption.
Despite progress, challenges like uneven rural coverage, grid limitations, and high costs remain. Both public and private sectors are working to expand access and reliability.
South Africa EV Charging Network Growth and Statistics 2022-2026
The First Fully Off-grid Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Station In South Africa
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Current Status of EV Charging Infrastructure in South Africa
South Africa’s public EV charging network has experienced rapid growth, expanding from around 200 stations in 2022 to over 800 by January 2026. By mid-2025, the network had already surpassed 500 stations, marking significant progress in just a few years.
Each month, the infrastructure supports approximately 5,000 charging sessions, enabling an impressive 3.5 million kilometers (about 2.17 million miles) of electric travel. GridCars leads the charge – literally – managing over 70% of the network with more than 400 active stations. Rubicon follows with over 200 stations, and Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) focuses on off-grid solar-powered solutions, operating more than 150 locations.
Charging Costs
Public charging prices depend on speed. DC fast charging (50kW to 150kW) costs between $0.38 and $0.40 per kWh (R7.00 to R7.35), while slower AC charging is priced at about $0.32 per kWh (R5.88). Home charging remains the most affordable option, ranging from $0.14 to $0.22 per kWh (R2.50 to R4.00). This affordability explains why 70% to 80% of EV charging in South Africa still happens at home.
National Coverage and Main Charging Hubs
The charging network is concentrated in three main provinces. Gauteng leads with over 350 stations, followed by the Western Cape with 250+, and KwaZulu-Natal with more than 120. The Eastern Cape is catching up, now hosting 50+ stations, thanks in part to a government initiative that installed 13 universal public charging stations at a cost of about $625 million (R11.4 billion) over two years, ending in early 2026.
Key highway corridors – such as the N1, N2, and N3 – now offer near-continuous charging coverage, connecting major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
"By 2019, any EV with a 200km or greater range could drive from Johannesburg to Cape Town using our network",
said Winstone Jordaan, CEO of GridCars.
While urban areas enjoy extensive coverage, rural regions still lag behind. To address this, CHARGE is deploying off-grid hubs every 150 km (about 93 miles) along key routes.
Free charging options are also growing. By May 2025, South Africa had at least 64 free public charging stations, a 36% increase from late 2024. Gauteng hosts 29 of these, while the Western Cape has 14.
This robust public network expansion contrasts with a rising private charging infrastructure designed for corporate and fleet use.
Public vs. Private Charging Networks
Public charging stations focus on speed and convenience, catering to long-distance travelers and quick top-ups. They are often located in shopping malls, where existing electrical infrastructure supports rapid DC fast charging, typically completed in 30 to 60 minutes. On the other hand, private networks prioritize corporate fleets, offering workplace and behind-the-fence installations tailored to predictable usage patterns.
The placement of public charging stations requires careful planning.
"The hard part is finding the right place to maximise the number of cars that will use that station, so traffic flows and EV concentration are important factors",
explained Greg Blandford, CEO of Rubicon.
Public networks must balance accessibility with high utilization rates, while private setups can focus on specific fleet needs and predictable demand.
Major Companies and Recent Developments
Two major players, BYD and CHARGE, are ramping up efforts to expand South Africa’s EV charging infrastructure. Each company is taking a distinct approach to meet the demands of the country’s growing electric vehicle market and evolving infrastructure.
BYD‘s Nationwide Flash Charging Initiative
BYD is rolling out flash charging technology across South Africa, offering impressive power levels of up to 1,000 kW. The company has ambitious plans to install between 200 and 300 public charging stations by the end of 2026, aiming for full national coverage. These high-powered chargers can deliver approximately 400 km (about 249 miles) of range in just five minutes, rivaling the convenience of traditional gas station refueling.
In September 2025, BYD’s executive vice president, Stella Li, signed a memorandum of cooperation with Eskom to support the infrastructure rollout. She emphasized the company’s commitment:
"By the end of next year, we will have 200 or 300 Flash charging stations in South Africa. We want to cover 100% of the country."
The initial phase will prioritize BYD’s dealership network, with plans to expand into key highway locations and high-traffic urban areas.
To address challenges posed by grid limitations, BYD is implementing a hybrid power solution that integrates Eskom’s national grid with solar energy and battery storage. This system enables installations even in rural areas with limited electrical infrastructure. Importantly, the network is designed to accommodate EVs from all manufacturers.
In March 2026, BYD introduced the Sealion 5 Super Plug-in Hybrid in Johannesburg, priced at $27,400 (R499,900). This pricing positions the Sealion 5 well below competitors, many of which exceed $32,900 (R600,000).
While BYD focuses on a hybrid grid-solar model, CHARGE is taking a completely off-grid approach to its network.
CHARGE’s Solar-Powered Off-Grid Network
CHARGE, also known as Zero Carbon Charge, is creating South Africa’s first national network of 120 solar-powered, ultra-fast EV charging stations. These stations are strategically located along major highways. By relying entirely on solar panels and battery storage, CHARGE eliminates concerns about load shedding and ensures reliable charging even in remote areas with limited grid access.
In February 2026, CHARGE began construction on two key sites along the N3 corridor: CHARGE N3 Roadside (Reitz Roadside Interchange) and CHARGE N3 Tugela (Colenso–Winterton Interchange). Both stations are expected to be operational by June 2026, supported by a $5.5 million (R100 million) equity investment from the Development Bank of Southern Africa. These facilities are designed to support both passenger vehicles and heavy-duty electric trucks. In January 2026, CHARGE showcased its off-grid capability by simultaneously charging two electric trucks and four passenger EVs at its Wolmaransstad site.
CHARGE’s co-founder and Executive Chairman, Joubert Roux, highlighted the company’s guest-focused philosophy:
"Each charging station is not only focused on charging – it’s all about our guests enjoying the experience and feeling welcome. We no longer refer to consumers; we refer to guests."
CHARGE stations offer more than just charging. They include amenities like farm stalls, Wi-Fi, and local retail, transforming charging stops into destinations. Landowners hosting these stations also benefit, receiving 5% of the revenue generated from vehicle charging on their property.
Government Incentives and Policy Support
The 2026 Budget and EV Infrastructure
South Africa’s government is stepping up its support for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure with targeted tax incentives and budget reallocations. Starting March 1, 2026, manufacturers investing in new facilities for electric and hydrogen vehicle production will be able to deduct 150% of their investment costs from taxable income. This initiative is expected to cost the government around $27.4 million (R500 million) for the 2026/27 financial year.
In addition, the 2024 budget earmarked $52.8 million (R964 million) over the medium term to aid the transition to EVs. Businesses purchasing EVs for fleet use also benefit from a 100% first-year depreciation, allowing them to deduct the entire vehicle cost in the first year of ownership.
On a regional level, the Eastern Cape government has committed $625 million (R11.4 billion) over two years to establish 13 universal public EV charging stations. This initiative is being led by the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) and the Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape (AIDC-EC). These investments align with broader policy reforms outlined in the 2023 EV White Paper.
The Impact of the 2023 EV White Paper
The 2023 EV White Paper positions charging infrastructure as a key element in South Africa’s EV transition. It outlines government plans to eliminate regulatory barriers and encourage private sector participation. Recognizing the challenges posed by the country’s electricity grid, the policy emphasizes the importance of off-grid charging solutions to support widespread EV adoption.
Although the White Paper itself lacks a dedicated budget, the government is using public-private partnerships and special purpose vehicles to integrate charging stations into the national highway system.
However, industry experts point out areas where policy improvements are needed. Joubert Roux, Co-Founder and Chair of CHARGE, highlighted a critical inconsistency:
"You cannot incentivise EV production on one hand and penalise EV adoption on the other."
Currently, EVs are subject to a 25% customs duty, compared to just 18% for internal combustion engine vehicles imported from the EU. Industry leaders are advocating for the removal of this disparity and are calling for accelerated tax write-offs for charging equipment to make infrastructure projects more financially feasible.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Infrastructure Barriers and Grid Limitations
South Africa’s growing EV network is grappling with some tough challenges. For starters, the national grid is already under pressure and heavily reliant on coal, which makes grid-tied charging stations vulnerable to power outages. Nick Singh from Eskom’s Smart Grids Center of Excellence highlighted the importance of ensuring the grid can handle the demands of charging operators.
Another hurdle is the steep capital costs. Charge point operators face complicated "notified maximum demands" from municipalities, and cities like Tshwane impose fixed charges that make urban installations financially daunting [37,9]. This creates a tricky situation: operators are reluctant to invest heavily because EV adoption is still minimal. For context, only 1,018 battery-electric vehicles were sold in 2025, making up a mere 0.17% of the vehicle market.
The network also suffers from uneven coverage. Of the roughly 600 public charging stations, most are concentrated in Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal metros. This leaves rural areas and smaller towns with limited options, complicating long-distance travel for EV owners.
Adding to the challenge is a lack of skilled technicians who can maintain and service advanced charging equipment, which slows the entry of new operators into the market. Despite these barriers, industry players are actively working on solutions to push the sector forward.
Network Growth Projections Through 2026
To tackle these challenges, key players in the industry are ramping up their efforts to expand infrastructure and position themselves for future growth. The market is on a strong upward trajectory, with projections surpassing $1 billion by 2029.
Companies like BYD and Zero Carbon Charge are leading the charge with innovative solutions. BYD is rolling out its ultra-fast "Flash" charging network, aiming to install 200 to 300 stations by the end of the year. These stations promise impressive performance, delivering around 249 miles (400 km) of range in just five minutes. Meanwhile, Zero Carbon Charge is addressing grid limitations by building 240 solar-powered stations – half for passenger vehicles and half for trucks – spaced approximately 93 miles (150 km) apart along national highways.
These solar-powered hubs are designed to operate independently of the national grid by using battery storage and renewable-compatible backup generators. Public–private partnerships are also playing a role, with Sanral integrating charging infrastructure into highway rest stops to speed up deployment. However, industry leaders emphasize that policy reforms are essential for scaling these efforts.
"Government doesn’t need to build the network, but it must create the conditions for the private sector to scale it",
said Joubert Roux of CHARGE.
Conclusion: Building the Foundation for EV Adoption
South Africa’s EV charging network is growing at an impressive rate, with a charger now available for every seven registered EVs – a ratio that outpaces the global average. Major highways like the N1, N2, and N3 offer nearly seamless coverage, enabling long-distance travel between key cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. These advancements lay a solid groundwork for tackling the remaining challenges.
Innovative solutions, like off-grid solar-powered charging hubs, are helping address issues like grid instability. For example, CHARGE’s planned installations along the N3 corridor highlight how renewable energy can bypass the limitations of Eskom’s grid. On the government side, support has ramped up significantly. The 2024 national budget has allocated $52.8 million (R964 million) to accelerate EV adoption, alongside new tax incentives aimed at boosting local EV production. Additionally, the Eastern Cape government has committed $625 million (R11.4 billion) to roll out 13 universal charging stations.
Public-private partnerships are also gaining traction. Sanral’s draft policy to incorporate charging stations into highway rest stops is a strong example of collaboration driving progress.
The market itself is on a fast growth trajectory, projected to surpass $1 billion by 2029. Companies like CHARGE are leading the way, while newer players such as BYD are stepping in to meet increasing demand. However, sustained progress will depend on further policy updates, grid improvements, and private sector investments to ensure the charging network becomes fully reliable and widely accessible throughout the country.
FAQs
How do I find reliable chargers on long trips?
Finding EV charging stations in South Africa has never been easier, thanks to interactive maps and real-time apps. These tools not only show you where to charge but also provide live updates on station availability, nearby facilities, and any outages that might disrupt your plans.
By using these resources, you can plan your route around reliable chargers and networks designed for universal access. This makes long trips much smoother and helps ease the stress of running out of charge, often referred to as range anxiety. Whether you’re commuting or heading out on a road trip, these apps and maps are essential for making EV travel more convenient.
Will load shedding affect public charging?
Load shedding in South Africa creates significant obstacles for public EV charging. When scheduled power outages hit, many charging stations go offline, leaving EV owners scrambling to find alternatives. This unpredictability makes planning a charging schedule much more difficult.
It’s not just public stations that are affected – home chargers also become unusable unless homeowners have backup power solutions like generators or battery systems. On top of that, frequent outages can strain or damage charging infrastructure, leading to higher maintenance costs and downtime. To make matters worse, EV owners might be forced to charge during peak electricity pricing hours, which can drastically increase costs.
These issues collectively make EV charging less reliable and convenient during load shedding, adding another layer of complexity for EV users in the country.
Is home charging cheaper than public charging?
Yes, charging your electric vehicle at home is generally more affordable than using public charging stations. Home charging can cost 4 to 6 times less than gasoline, providing a noticeable financial advantage. Plus, it’s often cheaper than public charging options, which tend to have higher per-kWh rates.
The installation of a home charging station typically costs between R12,000 and R25,000, while electricity rates for home charging range from R1.80 to R3.50 per kWh. In contrast, public charging stations usually charge more per kWh, which can add up quickly if used frequently.
