Charging your electric vehicle around South Africa is easier than many people think — especially with the public network expanding fast! Here’s how to find a place to plug in and power up: gridcars.net
1. National Public Charging Networks
There are now hundreds of charging stations across South Africa, thanks to networks like GridCars, Rubicon/ChargePocket and Chargify. These cover major routes and cities, with both standard and fast chargers available. You can find 300–400+ public charging points already live, and many more being added soon.
2. Shopping Centres & Urban Spots
Big malls and retail centres often have EV bays where you can charge while you shop or eat: Sandton City, Mall of Africa, Eastgate, Hyde Park Corner and others have chargers available. These are usually AC or medium-speed chargers — great for topping up while you run errands.
3. Highway Fast Charging
Planning a road trip? You’ll find fast DC chargers at highway rest stops along major routes like the N1, N2 and N3 — typically at petrol stations and travel stops — so you can recharge quickly on the go.
4. Special & Renewable-Powered Stations
New initiatives like solar-powered charging hubs are being rolled out too — including a first off-grid station in Wolmaransstad — designed to make long journeys greener and easier. charge.co.za
5. Use Apps & Maps to Locate Chargers
Find chargers in real time with tools like:
• Google Maps & Apple Maps – search “EV charging stations” tarlen.co.za
• PlugShare – community-updated charger list tarlen.co.za
• Electromaps and AutoTrader’s live map – up-to-date station info electromaps.com
• ChargePocket or GridCars apps – show station details & let you pay right from your phone. gridcars.net
6. Don’t Forget Home Charging
For most EV owners, a home charger (installed in your garage or driveway) is the most convenient — and cheapest — way to charge daily. Overnight charging means you start every day with a “full tank”! imonews.co.za
Tip for EV drivers: Always carry your charging cable if you’re using public AC chargers — many sites expect you to plug in your own cable! [EV owner advice, Cape Town community]
