Eskom has officially unveiled electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at the Engen Bergview One Stop in the Free State, a further milestone in its efforts to support South Africa’s shift to electric mobility and to widen access to public EV charging. Situated just outside Harrismith on the N3, the site is strategically placed on one of the country’s key routes linking Johannesburg and Durban.

Coinciding with National Transport Month in October, today’s launch offers a timely example of how investment in electric mobility infrastructure can help shape the future of South Africa’s transport system. The new public charging facilities contribute to the wider move towards electric mobility, while helping to put in place the infrastructure needed to support growing EV uptake.

The facility is part of Eskom Distribution’s wider e-Mobility programme, which focuses on electrifying its own fleet, rolling out charging infrastructure and gradually growing a public charging network nationwide. Through this programme, Eskom is showing its confidence in electric mobility, encouraging broader uptake and laying the groundwork for new electricity demand and future grid-value opportunities.

“The location of this charger is of particular significance,” saidEmmanuel Mokalanyane, Eskom Distribution’s Manager for Design Engineering in the Free State, at the official opening of the charging facility. “Engen Bergview One Stop is an important stopover on the busy Johannesburg-to-Durban route. By establishing charging infrastructure here, we are taking practical steps towards connecting major economic centres and making electric vehicle travel increasingly viable across our country. For the Free State, this is an important first step. It demonstrates that the transition to electric mobility is not limited to our major metropolitan areas. Our province has an important role to play in connecting regions, supporting economic activity and enabling the adoption of new technologies.”

Mokalanyane added that a lack of accessible and reliable charging infrastructure remains one of the barriers to wider electric vehicle adoption, and that customers need confidence that charging facilities will be available along the routes they travel and at the destinations they visit.

“The future of transport will require collaboration between electricity suppliers, property owners, the automotive industry, government and customers. Today’s launch is an example of what can be achieved when we work together towards a shared objective,” said Mokalanyane. “As Eskom, we are not simply responding to change; we are helping to enable it. By investing in charging infrastructure, we are contributing to a transport system that can support innovation, greater energy efficiency and South Africa’s broader transition towards a lower-carbon future.

Eskom Distribution has deployed 92 electric vehicles and 104 charging stations across 68 Eskom and partner sites, including 19 publicly accessible charging stations across 14 sites. A further 84 potential public charging sites across its five clusters have been identified, with engagements with property owners at various stages.  In the Free State, one public site with a DC charger and five Eskom sites with AC and DC charging stations have been commissioned.

To encourage greater EV adoption and help stimulate the developing market, Eskom is offering customers a 20% introductory discount for the first six months at its charging facilities. Eskom’s objective is to complement the existing charging market, improve affordability and accessibility, and help address charging availability concerns among current and prospective EV users.

“The charging infrastructure we are opening today is a practical demonstration of Eskom’s evolving role in South Africa’s energy future. It reflects our commitment to transforming our operations and our confidence in transport electrification. It also helps to remove an important barrier to electric vehicle adoption and creates opportunities for new electricity demand,” said Eugene Myburgh, Senior Manager Retail (Acting) for Eskom Distribution in the Free State.

“Our ambition, however, extends well beyond this facility. Every step we take strengthens the foundation for a more connected national public-charging network,” Myburgh concluded.