Business
Solareff Sells Stake in GridCars, South Africa’s Largest EV Charging Network
The End of One Chapter, the Start of Another
South Africa’s renewable energy leader, Solareff, has officially sold its 75% stake in GridCars, the country’s largest public electric vehicle (EV) charging network operator. The sale marks a new era for both companies, each now poised to take separate but equally significant paths in South Africa’s evolving clean energy journey.
Solareff confirmed that it has exited its majority ownership and operational role in GridCars, a move the company says was timed perfectly for the next stage of growth. “GridCars is ready to be refuelled for its next chapter,” said Jaco Botha, Solareff’s CEO. “We’re confident the new partner will continue to build on what we started and accelerate EV infrastructure rollout across South Africa.”
Although Solareff has not disclosed the buyer or the deal’s value, Botha clarified that the purchaser was not Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD, which recently announced plans to install up to 300 public chargers in South Africa by 2026.
From Solar Rooftops to Electric Highways
Founded in 2017, Solareff’s investment in GridCars was a catalyst for the country’s early EV infrastructure. Under the leadership of Winstone Jordaan, GridCars expanded rapidly, creating South Africa’s first electric highway and building more than 200 public charging stations. The company also operates chargers for other EV networks and third-party partners, making it the backbone of the country’s public charging landscape.
What started as a small electric vehicle manufacturer in 2009 evolved into a national infrastructure player. Jordaan credits Solareff for providing crucial funding to expand GridCars’ reach across cities and highways, enabling EV owners to drive long distances without anxiety over charging points.
Why Solareff Is Moving On
While Solareff is stepping back from e-mobility, the company remains deeply committed to South Africa’s clean energy transition. With more than 260 MWp of commercial solar power installations under its belt, including nine of the country’s ten largest rooftop systems, Solareff continues to lead in distributed energy generation.
Botha said the company is focusing on microgrids, battery energy storage, and energy-as-a-service models, using its engineering expertise to deliver cost-effective renewable solutions. He acknowledged that while South Africa’s EV market shows promise, it’s still maturing and requires significant investment, grid stability, and public awareness to scale effectively.
GridCars’ Next Drive
For GridCars, the sale opens up new opportunities. Jordaan expressed gratitude to Solareff for its role in shaping the company’s foundation and said the team remains focused on expanding access to reliable EV charging. However, utilisation rates, the number of cars using the network regularly, are still relatively low compared to global standards, meaning profitability remains a challenge for many charge-point operators.
Industry experts, including Rubicon’s e-mobility head Hilton Musk, have noted that automaker investment in charging infrastructure has slowed. Property owners are also hesitant to host chargers due to high installation costs and uncertain returns, while South Africa’s electricity distribution limits remain a bottleneck.
Still, optimism is returning. With BYD, Naamsa, and Eskom all planning large-scale charger deployments, South Africa’s EV landscape is set for a major boost. BYD aims to roll out hundreds of high-speed chargers by 2026, while Eskom intends to grow its own network to 55 charging sites over the next two years. Naamsa has its sights set on more than 100 public chargers by 2032.
The Road Ahead
Solareff’s exit doesn’t signal retreat; it signals maturity. The company helped build a foundation that now supports the next phase of South Africa’s clean transport movement. GridCars, under new leadership, is expected to keep expanding its footprint while adapting to a rapidly changing market.
If anything, this shift reflects a larger truth: South Africa’s transition to sustainable energy isn’t a one-company journey. It’s a relay, and Solareff has just passed the baton.
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Source: MyBroadband
Featured Image: Engineering News
