Is South Africa Ready to Plug In?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction globally—and South Africa is no exception. But while local demand grows steadily, concerns remain about the infrastructure needed to support widespread EV adoption.

This article explores the current state of EV charging in South Africa, which players are shaping the rollout, what barriers stand in the way, and how the future is being built—one station at a time.

Why Charging Infrastructure Is the Backbone of EV Adoption

An EV is only as useful as the charger it can access. Without a robust charging network, South African motorists face range anxiety and limited mobility—two critical concerns when choosing an electric car.

Key needs include:

  • Fast charging options along major highways.

  • Accessible chargers in residential and commercial hubs.

  • Long-term strategies for rural and township integration.

Types of EV Chargers Available Locally

  1. AC Chargers (Level 1 & 2)

    • Ideal for homes and offices.

    • Slower but suitable for overnight charging.

  2. DC Fast Chargers (Level 3)

    • Mainly public, located at shopping centres and filling stations.

    • Provide 80% charge in under an hour.

South Africa has leaned into fast chargers due to urban commuter needs and low home charger penetration.

Where You Can Charge in South Africa

  • Gauteng: Johannesburg and Pretoria lead in charger density.

  • Western Cape: Cape Town is a close second, with fast-charging networks in shopping districts and office parks.

  • KwaZulu-Natal: Durban and Umhlanga are gradually building their presence.

  • Highways: Charging along N1, N3, and N4 routes supports inter-city travel.

Apps such as PlugShare, GridCars, and ChargeNet SA help drivers locate chargers in real time.

Private Sector Pioneers

These companies are key to accelerating EV infrastructure:

  • GridCars: SA’s largest open network of public EV chargers.

  • Audi and BMW: Developed branded high-speed stations.

  • Jaguar: Rolled out long-distance corridors between major metros.

  • Engen and Shell: Piloting hybrid petrol-electric charging stations.

These partnerships are crucial in the absence of a national rollout policy.

Government Role: Supportive, but Not Yet Strategic

Although EVs are part of SA’s Green Transport Strategy, implementation has lagged.

  • Current State: No dedicated EV Act.

  • Developments: Draft EV roadmap underway.

  • Proposals: Tax incentives for EV buyers and importers.

There’s growing recognition that public-private partnerships are key to moving things forward.

Barriers to Expansion

South Africa faces unique hurdles:

  • Loadshedding: Impacts grid reliability and charger uptime.

  • Cost: Installation of high-speed chargers is capital intensive.

  • Lack of Incentives: Few financial motivators for local adoption.

  • Connector Confusion: Variability in plug standards limits compatibility.

Solutions like solar-powered chargers and battery backups are being tested to overcome power challenges.

Cities Leading the Charge

  1. Cape Town: Municipal EV fleets, solar charging pilots.

  2. Johannesburg: Business precincts incorporating EV-ready infrastructure.

  3. Stellenbosch: Partnering with private players to build tourist-friendly green transport options.

Each provides a unique model for broader rollout.

Advice for EV Owners or Shoppers

  • Home Charging: Install a dedicated wall unit if you can.

  • Plan Ahead: Know your route and charger locations.

  • Use Charging Apps: Get live availability and navigation.

  • Check Your Cable: Ensure plug type matches SA infrastructure.

  • Monitor Loadshedding: Avoid charging during peak blackouts.

Looking Ahead: The Acceleration Phase

South Africa’s EV landscape is moving from pilot to practical. In the next 2–3 years, expect:

  • More dealership-led installations.

  • Commercial fleet electrification.

  • Expansion of ultra-fast highway charging.

  • Improved policy clarity.

EVs like the GWM Ora, BYD Dolphin, and Chery EQ1 are poised to benefit.

Conclusion: Infrastructure Is the Engine Behind EV Growth

If EV adoption is to thrive in South Africa, public and private players must co-create a sustainable charging ecosystem.

The spark is already lit—what’s needed now is scale, accessibility, and education. The more we invest in these areas, the sooner South Africa will reach a true EV tipping point.