By 
Two years later, the vision of the Free State Government in collaboration with Zero Carbon Charge has become a reality. The province now leads the country on off-grid ultra-fast solar powered Electricity Vehicle (EV) charging station.
The Free State MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Mr Ketso Makume took a turn at CHARGES this week in Wolmaransstad, to witness for himself the first Solar-Powered EV Charging Station in the country, South Africa’s First Electric Truck Charged Exclusively on Renewable Energy.
In 2024, Zero Carbon Charge committed to the provincial government that it will be investing R230 million to build off-grid, green, fast solar powered EV charging stations during an investment conference.
The investment is also aimed at benefitting locals as it will be creating jobs, and land owners where the company will be operating on will receive 5% of the revenue and will create other opportunities for small businesses. The investment will also drive up the economy of the province.
About 15 electric passenger vehicle charging stations and seven truck charging stations will be located across the province in the following local municipalities: Mohokare, Ngwathe, Mestimaholo, Mafube, Tokologo, Maluti A Phofung, Mangaung, Dihlabeng, Kopanong, Phumelela, Moqhaka, Mantsopa and Masilonyana.
The station forms part of 120 renewable energy electric passenger vehicle charging stations and 120 truck charging stations that Zero Carbon Charge and Zero Carbon Logistics are building across the country.
During his visit, Makume witnessed South Africa’s first electric truck being charged exclusively using fully off-grid, solar-powered, ultra-fast public charging — a national first.
The visit coincides with one year of operations at CHARGE Wolmaransstad, South Africa’s first fully off-grid, solar-powered EV charging station on a national route. The site has become a proof point that electric mobility — including heavy-duty freight, can operate reliably, at scale, and independently of the national grid.
During the visit, MEC Makume became the first MEC in South Africa to drive an electric vehicle charged at a CHARGE station and the first to sit inside an electric truck charged entirely from renewable energy, underlining the Free State’s commitment to practical, hands-on leadership in the energy transition.
The MEC also confirmed that he will officially open the Free State’s first charging station capable of charging both electric passenger vehicles and electric trucks, located on the N3 corridor, later this year.
This station will form part of CHARGE’s growing national highway network and will position the Free State as a strategic logistics and energy province.
“We are committed to driving renewable energy, electric mobility, and job creation in the Free State. This province must be one that people go to — not just drive through. Infrastructure like this allows us to build an economy around clean energy, logistics, and future industries,” said MEC Makume.
The Wolmaransstad milestone also marks the first time an electric truck has charged at a CHARGE station, achieved in partnership with global commercial vehicle manufacturer SANY. The demonstration confirms that long-haul electric freight powered entirely by renewable energy is no longer theoretical, but operational.
“This is a great milestone, not only for CHARGE, but for South Africa. What we are proving is that electric trucks, powered by solar and battery storage, make economic and operational sense. This is where the transition to green logistics truly accelerates,” said Joubert Roux, Co-Founder and Chair of Zero Carbon Charge.
CHARGE is actively rolling out a national network of off-grid, solar-powered EV charging stations across South Africa’s major highways, with a specific focus on freight corridors. Following the N3 developments, the next CHARGE sites in the Free State will be built along the N1, further strengthening the province’s position in the national logistics network.
As South Africa faces increasing pressure to decarbonise transport, secure energy supply, and create new economic opportunities, the Free State’s partnership with CHARGE demonstrates how provinces can lead through implementation — delivering infrastructure that drives investment, enables electric mobility, and creates sustainable jobs.
