Zero Carbon Charge has announced that its two new off-grid electric vehicle chargers will open in June 2026.
This follows the successful launch of its first off-grid solar charger in Wolmaransstad at the end of 2024. Recharged visited this location first in May 2025 followed by another visit later in the year.
The company says it is on schedule to complete construction of its next two chargers, located on the N3 between Johannesburg and Durban.
The two locations, Charge N3 Roadside is located 181km from Johannesburg, at the Leeukop Padstal, while the second one, Charge N3 Tugela is a further 183km away, located at the Three Towers Farm Stall, which is 204km away from Durban.
The locations are significant as it unlocks South Africa’s busiest freight and passenger vehicle corridor between Johannesburg and Durban, before June 2026, says Charge.
The opening of the two additional solar chargers comes from a R100 million investment from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).
The 2 new off-grid locations builds onto existing infrastructure with at least 6 DC chargers available on the N3 between Johannesburg and Durban, which are not solar powered.
Joubert Roux, co-founder of Charge says this milestone sends an unmistakable signal: EV infrastructure in South Africa is moving — and moving fast.
“With the N3 now unlocking for electric travel, the next priority is the N1, extending reliable, off-grid, ultra-fast charging along the country’s most critical long-distance routes.”
The two new off-grid stations are also electric truck-ready, as demonstrated by the company on 15 January 2026, with electric trucks provided by SANY Trucks at its Wolmaransstad location, alongside four passenger EVs.
As with its original location, the two locations will offer a farmstall experience, with coffee, free WiFi, ablution facilities and a curated selection of fresh local foods and retail goods.
“Each charging station is not only focused on charging, it’s all about our guests enjoying the experience and feeling welcome,” says Roux, “whether you drive an EV or are still thinking about migrating, are welcome at any Charge station, and to be part of the family.
Recharged is an independent site that focuses on technology, electric vehicles, and the digital life by Nafisa Akabor. Drawing from her 18-year tech journalism career, expect news, reviews, how-tos, comparisons, and practical uses of tech that are easy to digest. Nafisa is a traveller at heart, having been to 46 countries and counting. Find her unique travel tips and tricks on TikTok alongside tech & EV content.
