• DBSA closed a 100 mln rand ($5.7 mln) financing for EV charging stations.

• Local firm Zero Carbon Charge will build 60 solar-powered stations by 2026.

• Tax incentives aim to attract $27 bln EV and hydrogen vehicle investments.

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) has secured 100 million rand (about $5.7 million) to finance a program for building electric vehicle charging stations across South Africa. The funds will go to Zero Carbon Charge, a local company developing a nationwide network of off-grid, solar-powered ultra-fast charging stations.

The project will include the installation of five charging stations every 150 km along national highways. Zero Carbon Charge plans to complete 60 of the 120 planned sites by the end of next year. The initiative is part of South Africa’s national strategy to accelerate the energy transition in the transport sector.

Pretoria announced in 2024 a 150% tax deduction for investments in electric and hydrogen vehicle manufacturing. The law, enacted in early 2025, is expected to attract about $27 billion in investments from local and international automakers.

China has already strengthened its presence in South Africa’s electric vehicle sector, positioning itself as a key player in production since the tax incentive was introduced. Around 15 Chinese manufacturers are setting up operations alongside international brands such as Volkswagen, Toyota, and Mercedes-Benz. Among them are Great Wall Motors (GWM), Beijing Automotive Group Corporation (BAIC), BYD, Chery, Omoda, and Jaecoo, active in thermal, electric, and hybrid vehicles.