Smart EV to offer charging solutions in SA

A new electric vehicle charging operator Smart EV has launched its services in South Africa to offer integrated charging solutions. It joins the likes of Grid Cars and Rubicon who offer similar services.

The STS Tech Group, behind Smart EV, will offer scalable EV charging systems targeting both residential customers and large-scale fleet infrastructure, tailored to any individual, business and budget.

It has partnered with Autel and Wevo among other players in the clean energy and smart technology space, it says, to bring “cutting-edge expertise to South Africa’s roads, homes, businesses, and fleets”.

Smart EV describes its offer as more than just a product: “it’s a turnkey service, tailor-made and cutting edge, but affordable and specifically geared to stand up to unique local challenges”.

It says this includes the ability to boost charging capacity and speeds to up to 300% when grid outages loom, keeping public transport systems running during load shedding and under virtually any weather conditions.

Michael Leighton, Smart EV’s Chief Technical Officer says its project involved increasing the City of Cape Town supply from 1 MW to 3 MW and redesigning the infrastructure and metering onsite through smart systems.

This means it won’t charge during peak times and can manage the load to prevent any large demand peaks during charging, he adds. “During daytime charging, the chargers make use of energy produced from the onsite solar.”

The company describes the process that starts with a consultation, to a site evaluation, followed by a complete feasibility study and engagement with regulatory bodies.

“Once the groundwork is laid, Smart EV designs and engineers bespoke charging solutions that can integrate seamlessly with renewable energy sources such as solar and battery storage.” It offers a smart, 24/7, off-site monitoring and management solution.

Smart EV also offers smart energy solutions, through solar systems, backup power, and off-grid solutions, as well as smart security, providing advanced surveillance and access control tailored to homes, businesses, industry, agriculture, mining, and government, it says.