CHARGE (previously Zero Carbon Charge) unveiled its first off-grid, ultra-fast, green electric vehicle (EV) charging station to the public this week in Wolmaransstad, North West Province, South Africa.

This renewable energy-powered EV charging station will be part of the country's first national network of 120 solar-powered charging facilities, which CHARGE will install on major roads at 150-kilometer intervals over the next year, according to the business.

The move comes on the back of a recent Ford Motor Company survey, which noted that 40% of South Africans are considering acquiring an EV over the next five years, prompting the introduction of charging facilities.

In the case of CHARGE, it stated that it has also developed an app available for both Android and iOS that will offer clients a user-friendly experience for managing their charging needs and transactions at its EV charging stations.

"This has been a three-year journey, highlighting our commitment to making our off-grid network a reality because we believe it will benefit South Africans in multiple ways," said Joubert Roux, CHARGE's executive chairman.

At the event, deputy minister Graham-Maré, commented: "The project is also aligned with the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan, which will be launched early next year. The plan focusses on renewables to drive local manufacturing, which will support projects like CHARGE, which will construct off-grid EV charging stations on a large scale."

North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment Conservation, and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, added: "I am happy to be a part of this historic occasion for both the province and the country. CHARGE's EV charging network will assist us in creating more economic opportunities for the surrounding communities."

The Wolmaransstad charging facility, along with the full network of 120 charging stations, will generate revenue for the landowners on whose properties these facilities are installed. Landowners will receive 5% of the money earned from vehicles charging on their land.