Africa's Electric Truck Future: Solar Charging Hubs Rise

Africa's freight corridors are transforming with the introduction of solar-powered charging hubs designed for heavy-duty electric trucks, marking a significant step in global clean logistics. Cape Town-based Zero Carbon Charge is leading this charge, establishing two fully off-grid solar charging stations on South Africa's N3 highway, connecting Johannesburg and Durban.

This initiative, supported by a $6.2 million investment from the Development Bank of Southern Africa, aims to enable long-distance electric vehicle travel by placing charging infrastructure every 150 kilometers. Each station costs approximately $1.25 million, with completion expected by June. This development follows successful pilot programs demonstrating the viability of charging electric trucks using solely solar energy.

While other African companies have focused on electric motorbikes, this project targets the critical need for heavy truck charging infrastructure, which remains limited. The goal is to create energy-resilient hubs independent of unstable power grids, thereby reducing emissions and strengthening energy security for logistics, mining, and long-haul transport sectors.