Zero Carbon Charge
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2021
- HeadquartersCape Town, South Africa
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
Zero Carbon Charge firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Zero Carbon Charge
- Legal name
- Zero Carbon Charge (Pty) Ltd
- Website
- https://charge.co.za
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2021
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Zero Carbon Charge industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Electric Vehicle Charging Services
- NAICS
- Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution (2211), Electric Power Generation (22111)
- SIC
- Electric Services (4911), Electrical Work (1731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- EV Charging Payment & Reimbursement Programs (Public/Depot Charging) (TLABAMAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Managed EV Charging Software (Residential, Fleet, Workplace) (EUAFAMAA), EV Managed Charging as Demand Response (Residential, Fleet, Workplace) (EUAFAGAL), Charging Infrastructure Components (connectors, cables, dispensers, payment/controls) (IMAGAHAH)
Keywords
Where Zero Carbon Charge is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cape Town
- HQ country
- South Africa
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices1 record
Markets served
Zero Carbon Charge business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- EV Charging Sessions: Usage-based revenue model where EV drivers pay per kWh for charging. Drivers download the CHARGE app, add payment method (credit/debit cards), and pay for charging sessions. R9.15 (incl VAT) per kWh. Typical EV charges from 20% to 80% within 30 minutes depending on vehicle size and battery configuration.
- Network Partner Arrangements: Partnership model with landowners and farm stall owners who provide land for charging stations. Partners receive recurring income, increased property value, and business benefits from attracting EV drivers. Minimum 2 hectares required for CAR site, minimum 25 hectares for TRUCK site.
- Qualified Investor Funding: The company targets institutional investors, licensed financial services providers, and high-net-worth individuals (minimum R1 million investment) for capital raising to fund national network expansion.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Pay-per-use public charging at R9.15 per kWh |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Free AC charging available at N3 and N12 stations (June 2026 to June 2027 promotion) |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Qualified investor minimum investment of R1 million |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Zero Carbon Charge product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Zero Carbon Charge operates a national network of off-grid, solar-powered ultra-fast EV charging stations deployed along South Africa's highway corridors (N3, N12, N1). Each station uses on-site solar microgrids with battery storage to provide DC fast charging (10–80% in ~25 minutes) and AC charging for passenger EVs and heavy-duty electric trucks, independent of the Eskom grid. Customers access charging via the CHARGE mobile app, while commercial fleets are served through dedicated depot (Hub & Spoke) electrification solutions.
Product overview
Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) operates a platform-plus-modules architecture anchored by an off-grid EV charging network. The core product is the national network of solar-powered, grid-independent charging stations deployed at ~150km intervals along South Africa's national corridors (N3, N12, N1, and others). This is complemented by the CHARGE Mobile App (the consumer-facing interface for station discovery, session initiation, and payment), CityCHARGE (an urban commercial charging sub-brand), CHARGE Logistics Hub & Spoke (depot-based fleet electrification with solar charging), and a TCO & Savings Calculator (an online tool comparing EV vs. petrol total cost of ownership). The CHARGE Logistics Electric Highways module extends the offering into heavy-duty freight charging corridors.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- CHARGE Logistics: CHARGE's heavy-duty logistics and energy platform for decarbonising South Africa's busiest freight corridors, combining solar generation, battery storage, and ultra-fast truck charging for fleet operators.
- CityCHARGE
Products and services
- CHARGE Off-Grid EV Charging Network National network of off-grid, solar-powered ultra-fast EV charging stations deployed at ~150 km intervals along South Africa's national road corridors (N3, N12, N1, and others). Stations operate independently of the Eskom grid using on-site solar microgrids and battery storage, delivering DC fast charging and AC charging for passenger EVs and heavy-duty electric trucks. Designed to enable long-distance EV travel across South Africa.
- CHARGE Mobile App Mobile application (iOS and Android) enabling EV drivers to locate CHARGE stations along their route, view real-time charger availability, initiate charging sessions by scanning a QR code at the charger, and complete secure in-app payments via credit/debit cards. Manages user accounts, payment methods, and serves as the primary interface for starting and stopping charging sessions.
- CHARGE Logistics - Electric Highways Heavy-duty freight charging platform that develops large-scale off-grid energy hubs combining solar generation, battery storage, and ultra-fast truck charging infrastructure. Delivers Energy-as-a-Service for freight operators, logistics companies, and industrial off-takers along South Africa's key national corridors.
- CHARGE Logistics - Hub & Spoke Fleet Solutions Depot-based fleet electrification solution that installs solar-powered charging hubs at fleet operators' depots under a Hub & Spoke model. Targeted at fleets with predictable daily routes within a 150 km radius, offering lower operating costs, reduced diesel price exposure, and predictable energy costs. Includes free fleet electrification analysis.
- CityCHARGE Urban charging sub-brand targeting commercial properties and business sites in cities. Installs off-grid solar microgrids with EV charging at partner locations (requiring 450+ sqm rooftop space, high foot traffic, and adequate parking) to cut energy costs, improve resilience, and generate revenue for host businesses. No upfront capital cost to partners.
Quantifiable outcome
- 27% lower total cost of ownership compared to diesel vehicles over five years for commercial fleets
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Zero Carbon Charge
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Zero Carbon Charge technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Zero Carbon Charge partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- ZimicoreThree-year agreement between Zimi and CHARGE Holdings to support rollout of electric freight operations along South Africa's N3 corridor. Partnership aims to accelerate EV logistics along one of South Africa's most critical transport routes. Michael Maas (founder of Zimi) and Andries Malherbe (co-founder of CHARGE) formalized the partnership.
- WesbankminorFleet financing partner mentioned as participant at CHARGE N3 launch event, supporting the electric mobility ecosystem in South Africa.
- Ockham CommunicationsminorPublic relations firm representing Zero Carbon Charge, handling media inquiries and press release distribution. Contact: Samantha Jackson at [email protected].
- EnviroAfricaminorEnvironmental consulting firm listed as an associated entity and industry partner providing environmental advisory services for CHARGE projects.
- C.Krumboll & AssociatesminorLegal advisory firm listed as an associated entity and industry partner for CHARGE's network development.
- Claassen StoneminorEngineering consulting firm listed as an associated entity providing expertise for CHARGE infrastructure projects.
- BauwenminorTown planning firm listed as an associated entity and industry partner for CHARGE network development.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Zero Carbon Charge competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- WattEV: US-based company building dedicated heavy-duty truck charging infrastructure at logistics hubs along freight corridors. Directly comparable to CHARGE Logistics' focus on electrifying freight corridors with off-grid/solar-powered high-power charging for electric trucks.
- Forum Mobility: California-based company developing charging depots for heavy-duty electric trucks at port-adjacent locations. Comparable in providing depot-based charging-as-a-service for commercial fleet operators transitioning to electric trucks.
- Terawatt Infrastructure: US-based company developing charging and energy infrastructure for commercial electric fleets. Operates a hub-and-spoke model for fleet electrification similar to CHARGE Logistics, with focus on depot charging and energy supply to commercial fleet operators.
- GridCars: South Africa's largest public EV charging network operator, directly competing with Zero Carbon Charge in the same geography. GridCars focuses primarily on grid-tied AC charging in urban and suburban areas, while CHARGE differentiates through off-grid solar microgrids along corridors.
Broad incumbents
- Ionity: European high-power charging network jointly owned by major automakers, deploying 350kW stations along European motorways. Strong comparability in highway corridor positioning, ultra-fast charging speeds, and partnership-driven network expansion.
- Electrify America: Major US ultra-fast charging network with highway corridor focus, offering 150-350kW DC fast charging. Comparable in targeting long-distance EV travel along national corridors, though operates on grid-tied model rather than CHARGE's off-grid solar microgrid approach.
- Tesla Supercharger: Tesla's proprietary high-speed charging network, the global benchmark for corridor-based fast charging. While vertically integrated with Tesla vehicles, it represents the standard in ultra-fast charging experience that CHARGE aspires to match for the broader South African EV market.
- ChargePoint: One of the largest global EV charging networks with extensive Level 2 and DC fast charging infrastructure. While geographically focused in North America and Europe, ChargePoint represents the established public charging model that CHARGE adapts to the South African off-grid context.
- EVgo: US-based public fast charging network operator with focus on highway corridor and urban DC fast charging. Comparable in operating model (public charging stations, app-based session initiation) and target market (EV drivers needing reliable fast charging).
Others
- GreenCom Networks: Energy IoT platform enabling smart energy management including EV managed charging. While not a direct charging operator, comparable in the software/managed services layer for distributed energy resources and smart charging that underpins CHARGE's network optimization.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Zero Carbon Charge social profiles
Digital presenceZero Carbon Charge financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Zero Carbon Charge leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Zero Carbon Charge funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Zero Carbon Charge M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Zero Carbon Charge
What does Zero Carbon Charge do?
Zero Carbon Charge operates a national network of off-grid, solar-powered ultra-fast EV charging stations deployed along South Africa's highway corridors (N3, N12, N1). Each station uses on-site solar microgrids with battery storage to provide DC fast charging (10–80% in ~25 minutes) and AC charging for passenger EVs and heavy-duty electric trucks, independent of the Eskom grid. Customers access charging via the CHARGE mobile app, while commercial fleets are served through dedicated depot (Hub & Spoke) electrification solutions.
Is Zero Carbon Charge a public or private company?
Zero Carbon Charge is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Zero Carbon Charge founded?
Zero Carbon Charge was founded in 2021. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Zero Carbon Charge based?
Zero Carbon Charge is headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, in the Africa region.
How does Zero Carbon Charge make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. EV Charging Sessions are the primary driver. The others are network Partner Arrangements and qualified Investor Funding.
Who are Zero Carbon Charge's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are WattEV, Forum Mobility, Terawatt Infrastructure and GridCars. Broad incumbents are Ionity, Electrify America, Tesla Supercharger, ChargePoint and EVgo. GreenCom Networks is listed as an others.
Does Zero Carbon Charge have an API?
No public API is recorded for Zero Carbon Charge.
What industry is Zero Carbon Charge in?
Zero Carbon Charge's product category is Electric Vehicle Charging Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLABAMAK, EV Charging Payment & Reimbursement Programs (Public/Depot Charging), with a secondary code of EUAFAMAA, Managed EV Charging Software (Residential, Fleet, Workplace). Its NAICS code is 2211 and its SIC code is 4911.