Zero Carbon Charge Lands $5.6M Boost for Green Transport

Zero Carbon Charge Lands $5.6M Boost for Green Transport

13 June 2025

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Zero Carbon Charge Co-Founders: Andries Malherbe and Joubert Roux

South Africa’s Zero Carbon Charge, which has built a national network of off-grid, solar-powered ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, has announced a ZAR100 million (US$5.6 million) equity investment from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).

Zero Carbon Charge has developed a decentralised energy generation model that produces power directly at the point of consumption and sale, ensuring a sustainable and reliable energy supply for electric mobility. 

The startup has raised ZAR100 million (US$5.6 million) from DBSA, which it said marks a significant endorsement of its mission to build climate-resilient infrastructure and accelerate South Africa’s transition to a net-zero transport economy.

The funding will enable the rollout of Zero Carbon Charge’s ultra-fast charging stations every 150km along all national roads. Each site is fully off-grid, powered by solar energy and supported by battery storage – eliminating reliance on Eskom, and addressing range anxiety for EV drivers across the country.

“This show of faith by the DBSA is not just financial – it is symbolic. We are truly grateful,” said Andries Malherbe, director and co-founder of Zero Carbon Charge.

Source: Disrupt Africa

Author

Lucy, the cute female unicorn of Lucidity Insights, waving and standing in front of a purple background.

Lucy is a young unicorn passionate about responsible business practices, from Sustainability and ESG performance management to deep-dive investigations of the broad socio-political and macro-economic implications of various government and business strategies. Lucy has a knack for research, data analytics, and understanding the implications of new and disruptive technologies. Prior to becoming a tech news reporter, Lucy spent a few years working for the United Nations, researching and evaluating the socio-economic impact of various programs and the adoption of technological innovations. Lucy studied integrated engineering, and worked on converting her fuel-powered car into an electric vehicle as her final project for graduation. Lucy can still be seen driving her zero-emissions vehicle in and around Dubai, where she grew up. Lucy speaks English and Arabic, and completed her studies in Canada, where she also minored in magic powered technological solutions. Lucy specializes in sustainable development, climate tech, ESG, social impact startups, venture capital, macroeconomics and geopolitics.

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