Next generation 120 kW fast chargers will modernise established charging locations, expand vehicle compatibility and prepare the network for commercial electric mobility
Johannesburg, South Africa, 24 July 2026. GridCars has announced a major national EV charging network enhancement programme that will modernise selected charging locations, introduce new generation fast charging technology and expand the company’s charging network into additional strategic locations across South Africa.
The programme builds on more than a decade of investment in South Africa’s public EV charging infrastructure and the development of the country’s largest public DC charging network. Some of the chargers included in the programme were installed during the earliest years of electric mobility in South Africa and have continued to serve motorists reliably for more than ten years.
The initiative is a proactive technology refresh intended to strengthen the network, improve the charging experience and prepare GridCars’ infrastructure for the vehicles and charging requirements expected over the next decade.
At the centre of the programme will be GridCars’ new generation 120 kW dual connector DC fast charger, which will become the principal replacement platform at a number of established charging locations. The new platform supports vehicle architectures ranging from 150 volts to 1,000 volts, substantially expanding compatibility beyond some earlier generation chargers designed around 500-volt technology. This will enable upgraded sites to support a broader range of modern passenger vehicles, electric delivery vehicles and, in some cases, emerging commercial vehicle platforms.
Each charger provides two CCS2 charging connectors and intelligently allocates the available power between the two charging positions. This allows GridCars to make more effective use of the electrical capacity available at each site while increasing the number of vehicles that can be accommodated.
The charger’s modular power architecture also allows individual power components to be serviced or replaced without requiring the replacement of the complete charging system. This improves serviceability, reduces repair times and supports a longer operating life for the equipment. The platform also introduces a range of new energy management capabilities.
GridCars selects charging equipment from the perspective of a long-term network operator rather than solely as a hardware reseller. Charging platforms are evaluated according to component quality, technical performance, serviceability, supplier support, upgradeability, environmental protection and their ability to remain operational over an extended asset life.
The new 120 kW chargers provide robust IP55 and IK10 protection, support operation across a broad temperature range and are designed to deliver full charging power in demanding outdoor conditions. The platform also supports open charging protocols, remote monitoring, over the air software updates, intelligent power management and modern vehicle communication standards.
GridCars further configures and integrates its charging hardware with operating capabilities developed through years of managing public charging infrastructure in South Africa. These include secure offline authorisation, AutoCharge functionality, remote diagnostics, network monitoring and continued charging capability during certain communication interruptions.
“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.”
“The chargers being refreshed have played an important role in building South Africa’s early public charging network and enabling the country’s EV evolution. Their long service life demonstrates the success of the original infrastructure investment. This programme is about building on that success and moving the network into its next generation.”
The enhancement programme will also improve the physical accessibility and configuration of selected charging sites. This will include changes intended to better accommodate larger commercial vehicles, which may require longer bays, wider turning areas, improved cable reach and easier access to charging equipment.
These site improvements will support the growing electrification of delivery fleets, light commercial vehicles, buses and, over time, larger electric trucks.
In addition to upgrading existing locations, GridCars, together with its network development partners, will deploy new chargers at additional sites as part of the same programme. The new locations will strengthen route coverage, increase charging capacity and improve connectivity between major economic centres and transport corridors.
The 120 kW deployment forms part of a broader GridCars hardware strategy that includes higher power passenger and commercial vehicle chargers, split charging systems, battery supported charging and megawatt scale charging platforms.
“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, the way it is integrated, how effectively it can be monitored and maintained, and the support available to drivers when assistance is required.”
“The combination of premium hardware, open technology standards, operating capabilities developed by GridCars and 24-hour support is what creates a dependable public charging service.”
The programme will be implemented in phases to minimise disruption to customers. Information relating to individual site upgrades and temporary service interruptions will be communicated through GridCars’ digital platforms and customer communication channels as the work progresses.
GridCars will continue to operate and support its national charging network throughout the programme through its integrated network management platform, technical teams and 24-hour customer support service.
About GridCars
GridCars is a South African company specialising in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, technology and network operations.
The company develops, supplies, deploys and operates EV charging solutions for public charging networks, automotive manufacturers, commercial fleets, businesses, property owners and energy sector partners. GridCars provides integrated charging hardware, network management, payment processing, roaming, energy management, technical support and 24-hour customer assistance. These services support the continued growth of electric mobility across South Africa.
Media enquiries
Jennifer Jordaan
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
jennifer@gridcars.net
082 339 4462