Free State's Ambitious Plan: 120 Solar-Powered EV Charging Stations by 2025

South Africa's Free State province is spearheading a groundbreaking shift towards electric mobility, backed by a substantial $234 million investment in what is set to become the world's pioneering network of solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

In a landmark collaboration, Zero Carbon Charge (ZCC), a leading clean energy infrastructure firm, has joined forces with the Free State government to realize this ambitious project.

Scheduled for completion by September 2025, the initiative aims to establish 120 charging stations throughout the province, with 75 earmarked for passenger cars and 45 designated for electric trucks.

Minister Thabo Meeko of the Free State expressed enthusiasm for the endeavor, noting its potential to generate employment opportunities and bolster skills development within the clean energy sector while advancing off-grid EV charging solutions.

Crucially, ZCC's charging infrastructure will operate entirely on solar power, ensuring autonomy from the national grid and immunity to power outages.

This approach aligns with South Africa's strategic objective of decreasing dependency on coal-fired power plants.

Highlighting the significance of solar charging, ZCC emphasized its role as a clean, zero-emission alternative to Eskom's grid, the nation's state-owned power utility.

Spanning 13 municipalities across the Free State province, the project aims to democratize access to EV charging, benefiting a diverse spectrum of residents and contributing to the region's sustainable development.

Source: Empower Africa