SA: Partnership to build renewable energy charging stations on N3

The South African firm setting up a network of charging stations for EVs, including electric trucks across South Africa, has entered into a partnership with a Chinese company to build infrastructure between Johannesburg and Durban.

Zero Carbon Logistics confirmed this week that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chinese multinational company SANY as their official technology providers for the planned rollout of its off-grid electric truck charging network on the N3.

SANY will support the development of six renewable energy charging stations designed specifically for electric trucks that use the N3 route between Johannesburg and Durban.

The route is used by over 8,576 trucks per day, making it one of the busiest truck routes in the country.

The MOU was signed at SANY’s Premium Customer Summit for Africa BU2024 in China, which showcased new innovations in the manufacturing of electric trucks and electric charging technologies.?

Over the past few years, SANY has invested billions into research and development to develop electric heavy machinery as well as the charging infrastructure to power these products.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with global electro-mobility leader SANY for the development and long-term operation of the six solar powered truck charging sites that we will be initially building along the N3 highway.?

“Their technical expertise and superior design capabilities will ensure these facilities offer ultra-fast seamlessly integrated green charging technology that will be able to charge trucks within 20 minutes with chargers, or battery swapping in under 5 minutes,” said Joubert Roux, co-founder of Zero Carbon Logistics.

Have you read? Solar energy to power e-truck charging stations in SA

Charging stations on N3 part of a countrywide network being built

These six charging stations will form part of the 120-truck charging network that Zero Carbon Logistics will be developing on major freight routes across South Africa over the next few years.?

The process to permit these six sites has started now because of the experience of permitting processes being long and arduous, and after the next 24 months, they will be operational, the company said.

In addition to collaborating on the technology for Zero Carbon Logistics’ N3 electric truck highway, the MOU also envisages both parties working together on the introduction and supply of overseas manufactured electric trucks and battery technology in South Africa.

“If government wants to realise its goal of achieving net-zero transport by 2050, it needs to introduce real incentives to encourage South Africans to choose electric vehicles or electric trucks over internal combustion models (ICE).?

“This must include opening the market to cheaper imported models by implementing a six-year tax holiday on the import of EVs. This is the only way we will achieve real penetration of EVs in the country which will also create a conducive environment for local EV and battery manufacturing,” said Roux.

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Electric trucks will need requisite charging infrastructure

However, it is important to recognise that a mass transition to electric trucks could potentially create major strain on the country’s predominantly coal-fired national grid, the company noted.?

“If one views the N3 between Durban and Johannesburg alone, the electricity required to charge the 8,576 trucks using this route daily would add an additional 2.3 billion kWh/year in electricity demand to the grid. It is therefore critical that the country starts to invest in charging infrastructure to power these electric trucks.”

Zero Carbon Charge’s research shows that an electric truck charged by the Eskom network could emit 37.5% more CO2e emissions per kilometre compared to an equivalent diesel powered truck.?

The development of a green charging network is also crucial to prevent the real risk of an increase in CO2 emissions created by a transition to electric trucks, it said.

“Zero Carbon Logistics has already entered agreements with landowners for 90 of the 120 off-grid electric truck charging sites that it plans to build on long haul routes across the country. ?

“We have also started the permitting process for the first six sites on the N3 with the aim of these charging stations to be built by November 2027.

“However, in order to speed up the development of national EV charging infrastructure which will support the country’s EV transition and help promote renewable energy , national government must create a regulatory framework that includes less stringent land use and environmental application processes to establish solar -powered charging stations,” said Roux.

Have you read? Eskom and Danish Energy Agency sketch roadmap for EV infrastructure

FAQs on EV charging stations in South Africa?

How many EV charging stations are in South Africa?

Around 400 and counting.?

How much does EV charging cost in South Africa?

According to Nedbank, it costs?around R200 in electricity at average municipal rates to fully recharge an EV with a range of 400km?– a running cost of 50 cents per kilometre.?

How many EV cars are there in South Africa?

In total 7,746 new energy vehicles (NEVs) were sold in 2023. 3,042 NEVs were sold in Q1 2024? – Automotive Business Council (naamsa).

What are the EV incentives in South Africa?

The government intends introducing an investment allowance by March 2026 to encourage the production of EVs in South Africa .?

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