Drive South Africa Launches New Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations Map

Drive South Africa, southern Africa’s leading online vehicle rental resource, has launched a new Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Map to help drivers find their nearest electric vehicle charging station.  

The new EV Map is a route-planning resource tool for our customers with one eye on the future of mobility. It lets drivers search for their closest place to recharge based on two specific types of charging stations. Then, it uses their current location to pinpoint the nearest EV charging station, including directions and contact details.

The map highlights over 300 charging stations across key routes across South Africa. This makes it the most comprehensive map of its kind in the country.

“The Drive South Africa vision is to grow our eco-friendly travel resources along with our clients’ preferences and uptake of more sustainable means of travel,” said Drive South Africa’s product manager, Ellena Van Tonder.  

“In this way, we are committed to offering our guests the best experience when travelling in South Africa and Africa,” said Van Tonder.

And, while we work towards introducing more EVs to our vehicle rental offerings, we hope that this tool becomes an invaluable resource for South African motorists. Read on to learn more about it.

Why Did We Launch an EV Map?

In 2024, South Africans have access to a wider selection of EVs than ever before. These battery-powered vehicles are taking the world by storm, and you can now buy one for under R700,000.

Throughout the full lifetime of an EV, it will generate significantly less emissions than an internal combustion engine (ICE) car, making it a far more sustainable alternative. In fact, EarthJustice explains that even when charged on the “dirtiest” power grids, EVs are still more efficient than ICE cars. 

EVs aren’t just better for the planet – they’re practical and powerful. For example, the cheapest EV in South Africa, the GWM ORA 03, can go 310 km on a single charge. You can also recharge it from 0% to 80% in under an hour. Pair this with remarkable acceleration, and you’ve got yourself a serious set of wheels.

Andre Van Kets, co-founder of Discover Africa Group, explains that the Drive South Africa EV Charging Stations Map will help South Africans take the next step in the future of mobility.

“South Africa, a leader in electric mobility on the African continent, is now even more accessible with our new EV Map,” he says. “We’ve developed this tool to empower our Drive South Africa clients, making it easier than ever to find safe and convenient charging stations.”

Van Kets adds that he expects the advancement and accessibility to electric vehicles to continue to improve in South Africa and the rest of the continent.  

Despite being the lowest worldwide, battery electric vehicle sales across Africa have shown an upward trend. In 2022, South Africa had about 1,000 electric vehicles (EVs) out of 12 million automobiles, according to the latest data shared by global data insights platform Statista.com.  

“The Drive South Africa vision is to grow our eco-friendly travel resources along with our clients’ preferences and uptake of more sustainable means of travel,” says Discover Africa Group co-founder, Steve Conradie. “In this way, we are committed to offering our guests the best experience when travelling in South Africa and Africa.”

Drive South Africa will continue to update and develop our user-friendly road-trip planning resource to help eco-conscious drivers ensure they can safely travel and recharge during their next trip. 

Your Questions Answered

What types of EV charging stations are listed on the EV Map?  

Drive South Africa’s EV Map lets drivers choose between two types of EV charging stations. Charging stations are defined by the type of plug and current used to charge an electric vehicle. 

Type 2 EV chargers are the more common type, with their seven-pin design. They are used for fast EV charging using Alternating Current (AC). Combined Charging Systems (CCS) uses fast Direct Current (DC) charging. 

How do I find the nearest EV charging station to my current location?

Select the type of charge you need. Then, enter your current location in the search bar. The EV Map will then refresh to display the nearest EV charging stations. 

Are the charging stations operational 24/7?

While many stations operate 24/7, availability can vary. Plan your trip well in advance and check individual station details for operating hours and any access restrictions.

How do I access information on charging station availability and occupancy? 

Click on a station marker on the map to view detailed information, including the number of charging bays available, a clickable link to directions, and contact details for the charging station.  

Is there a fee for using the EV charging stations listed on the map?

Charging fees vary by location and provider. Check individual station details for any usage fees or access restrictions.

Can I reserve a charging spot in advance? 

Reservation policies depend on the station provider. Check the station details for reservation options and procedures.

How current is the information on the EV charging map?

Drive South Africa’s EV Map is regularly updated, but users are encouraged to check the latest details and user reviews for real-time information. 

What should I do if I encounter an issue with a charging station?

Drive South Africa has compiled the locations of these charging stations into a resource for its clients only. Report the issue directly to the station provider.

Our EV Charging Stations Map is live and ready to use. Simply enter a location and our software will do the rest.

As South Africa gets to grips with EVs, more and more people will turn to our tool to plan their trips. You can rest assured that we’ll keep updating our map to include new charging stations throughout the country.

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