In a bid to “lead the charge” in the local electric vehicle-charging domain, GridCars, recently selected as a charge-point partner for Eskom, says working with South Africa’s power utility is key to the successful roll out of EVs.
Looking for your next new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag!
Since 2009, GridCars has been providing South Africa with “smart” electric vehicle charging points. Now, the SA-based company has been selected as the EV charging-point partner for Eskom to install pilot “smart” AC and DC chargers at several Eskom sites. Said Winstone Jordaan, Managing Director of GridCars, “This demonstrates Eskom’s commitment to sustainable and efficient EV charging solutions.”
Related: Audi SA Expands EV Charging Network with Rapid Chargers
The company says the installation of the “smart” AC and DC chargers will serve a dual purpose. Indeed, in addition to serving as charging points for Eskom’s fleet of EVs, the installation of these units will, most notably, facilitate research into “optimising” the management of SA’s energy grid and EV charging practices. According to the firm, the “smart” chargers are a “big deal”, with these units not only proving more efficient, but will also help balancing the stability of the national grid.
GridCars says the data gathered from this programme will be “invaluable” for developing new strategies to accommodate the increasing demand EVs place on the national energy grid, while maintaining the stability of the latter. This research, GridCars says, will inform future policies and infrastructure developments, ensuring that SA uses best practices and superior charging technology.
“We are excited about industry collaborations that address key challenges and ensure the grid’s sustainability and resilience,” said Jordaan. “Affordable, reliable EV charging networks require collaboration with sites, investment partners, and energy solution suppliers. With Eskom playing a pivotal role, we must build integrated systems, ensuring all participants play to their strengths.”
Looking for your next new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag!
