N3 highway to get another two ultra-fast EV charging stations by June

THE green EV charging network, Zero Carbon Charge (Charge) is on schedule to complete construction of its next two off-grid EV charging station developments along the N3 corridor between Johannesburg and Durban before June 2026. The two stations – Charge N3 Roadside. at the Reitz Interchange and Charge N3 Tugela, at the Colenso–Winterton Interchange  – will advance electric mobility by unlocking South Africa’s busiest freight and passenger vehicle corridor.

This milestone is made possible by the R100 million investment by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) in Charge, with the N3 rollout as a prerequisite. The result will allow the N3 to be unlocked for EV travellers travelling through Johannesburg and Durban — reliably, sustainably, and at scale.

Commenting on the economic opportunity and further development plans, Joubert Roux, co-founder of Charge, stated: “This milestone sends an unmistakable signal: EV infrastructure in South Africa is moving — and moving fast. With the N3 now unlocking for electric travel, the next priority is the N1, extending reliable, off-grid, ultra-fast charging along the country’s most critical long-distance routes.”

The argument that electric vehicles cannot handle long-distance travel no longer holds. With dedicated, solar-powered highway charging becoming operational, EVs are now a practical, everyday choice, rather than a future concept.

These stations are first-of-their-kind in South Africa, purpose-built, operating entirely off-grid, powered solely by solar energy and battery storage. There is no grid dependence, or compromise on speed or reliability.

They’re also electric truck-ready. Charge has recently demonstrated seamless simultaneous charging of two electric trucks provided by SANY Trucks as demonstration on 15 January 2026, alongside four passenger EVs at its first charging station in Wolmaransstad— proving that ultra-fast, off-grid charging can serve heavy-duty freight and everyday motorists at the same time.

Beyond charging, each site introduces a new-generation farmstall experience — complete with Charge’s signature yellow roof and a ‘guest-first’ ethos. This includes air-roasted coffee, free Wi-Fi, spotless ablutions, and a curated selection of freshly prepared local foods and retail goods. “It’s not just a place to stop at, it’s a tourist destination with a curated special experience — while your EV or electric truck charges,” according to the company.

As Roux puts it: “Each charging station is not only focused on charging — it’s all about our guests enjoying the experience and feeling welcome. We no longer refer to consumers; we refer to guests. All South Africans — whether you drive an EV or are still thinking about migrating — are welcome at any CHARGE station, and to be part of the family.”

Site locations

• Charge N3 Roadside — On the N3 at the Reitz Roadside Interchange (Exit 107, West side)
• Charge N3 Tugela — On the N3 at the Colenso–Winterton Interchange (Exit 207, West side)