As the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow, a robust infrastructure is essential, according to Mercedes-Benz South Africa.
The company released a statement, saying it is advancing its sustainability strategy for South Africa through a substantial investment in the local electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The roll-out of 120 public chargers is happening in collaboration with Chargify, a Level 2 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) company.
A decent spread
Chargify deploying AC and fast-charging DC charging stations along main routes and in metropolitan areas. This includes airports, shopping malls, restaurant hubs, private hospitals, residential estates, and small towns, throughout South Africa.
Enterprise and supplier development
Abey Kgotle, Executive Director: Corporate Affairs at Mercedes says the partnership with Chargify allows the company to grow its share of the local EV charging network. He adds that it reaffirms Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s ambition to expand its Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) portfolio. “Our ESD programme is making a real and lasting impact through the creation of sustainable and meaningful jobs,” Kgotle says.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s initial investment in the EQ charging network amounts to R15 million, with an additional R25 million earmarked for the second phase of the rollout.
Phase 1 involves the installation of 67 Mercedes-Benz EQ branded charging stations across South Africa by the first quarter of 2024. This helps to provide customers with a reliable charging network and instills confidence in those considering the switch to EV ownership.
Phase 2 will see the implementation of over 60 additional charging stations, bringing the total to 127 Mercedes-Benz EQ-branded charging stations positioned in key areas.
Making it easier for EV drivers
Chargify has already installed a Mercedes-Benz EQ branded charging station at the BT Ngebs Mall and Mayfair Hotel in Mthatha. This installation makes an EV driver’s journey between Durban and Cape Town much easier than before.
Other recently installed Mercedes-Benz EQ sites are located at the Woodhill Estate and Country Club in Pretoria East, the Da Vinci Hotel in Sandton, the Champagne Castle Hotel in the Drakensberg, Highwayman’s in Pilgrim’s Rest; The Courtyard in Sandton, and Silvermist Wine Estate in Cape Town.
Other locations, such as the Plettenberg Hotel, Wilderness Hotel, Swartberg Hotel in Prince Albert, and the Karoo Junction Mall in Beaufort West (the second public charger in this town) will be online soon, according to Mercedes-Benz.
Using the GridCars payment network
To ensure smooth operation, Chargify and Mercedes-Benz are collaborating with EV infrastructure pioneers GridCars. This means anyone with a GridCars charge card can use Mercedes-Benz EQ chargers. Notably, all Mercedes-benz EQ customers will benefit from a 10 percent discount. Mercedes sells an extensive range of electric vehicles, including the EQ and EQ AMG models.
“Mercedes-Benz South Africa is accelerating the pace of eMobility transformation within the automotive industry,” says Mark Raine, Executive Director of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
Reducing range anxiety
“Next to offering the most extensive and diverse all-electric vehicle portfolio in the market, we want to provide all EV drivers the luxury and peace of mind of a comprehensive charging network. By installing over 100 EV charging stations across South Africa, we are fulfilling our objective of creating a sustainable ecosystem in support of our all-electric strategy,” Raine concluded.
To see the locations of public chargers on the GridCars network, including the Mercedes-Benz EQ chargers, visit chargestations.co.za.
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