Building on over a decade of local EV infrastructure, the initiative will see established charging sites modernised, the network expanded into strategic new locations, and 120 kW dual-connector fast chargers rolled out to future-proof the country’s electric mobility landscape.
Out with the old, in with the 120 kW
Some of the original chargers have been in operation for over ten years, but these legacy units are being replaced with 120 kW DC fast chargers equipped with dual CCS2 connectors.
Key upgrades of the new platform include:
Supports architectures from 150V to 1 000V (up from earlier 500V limits), making them compatible with the latest generation of passenger EVs, delivery vans, and heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
The chargers dynamically allocate available grid capacity between two vehicles simultaneously, shortening wait times and maximising site efficiency.
Power modules can be individually serviced or swapped without taking the whole system offline, significantly reducing downtime.
Featuring IP55 weather resistance and IK10 impact protection, the units are built to deliver full charging power in South Africa's harsh outdoor climates.
Commercial fleet ready
It’s not just the hardware getting an upgrade—the physical sites are evolving, too. As delivery fleets, buses, and commercial logistics pivot toward electrification, selected charging locations are being redesigned to feature:
Longer parking bays and wider turning circles for larger commercial transport.
Extended cable reach and improved hardware positioning for hassle-free plug-ins.
Additionally, GridCars will deploy new charging stations along major economic corridors and high-traffic highways to expand intercity route coverage.
A word from GridCars
"Because GridCars operates the network itself, we select hardware from the perspective of long-term performance in the field," said Winstone Jordaan, CEO of GridCars. "We require equipment that is technically advanced, robust, maintainable, and capable of supporting the vehicles that will enter the South African market over the next decade."
"A charging network is not defined only by the power rating printed on a charger," Jordaan added. "It depends on the quality of the equipment, how effectively it can be maintained, and the support available to drivers when assistance is required."
The new system integrates with GridCars' proprietary operational features, including secure offline authorisation, AutoCharge capabilities, remote diagnostics, and uninterrupted charging even during network communication outages.
Phased rollout for zero hassle
The national enhancement project will be executed in phases. Motorists can monitor real-time site updates, temporary service notifications, and new charger locations via GridCars' digital platforms.
GridCars’ integrated network management, field technical teams, and 24/7 customer support line will remain fully operational throughout the upgrade period.
