Electric vehicle (EV) charging network operator GridCars has welcomed a new investor following Solareff’s departure late last year.

The renewable-energy group sold its majority shareholding in GridCars, with a high-net-worth individual stepping in as the new investor, securing a 75% shareholding through a company called Energex.

Energex is in the same family of companies as ABC Solar, which has a strategic alliance with Huawei Fusion Solar, a subsidiary of global tech giant Huawei.

The new investor does not want to be named.

“The new shareholder strengthens GridCars’ ability to scale faster, invest deeper in quality charging infrastructure and expand our national footprint and partners,” says GridCars CEO Winstone Jordaan.

“It accelerates our transition from network leadership to industry enablement.

“Ultimately, it ensures South Africa’s EV charging infrastructure stays ahead of EV market adoption in both the private and commercial sectors.”

GridCars in 2009 installed its first EV charger at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research campus in Pretoria.

Today the company is the largest public charging network operator in the country.

Its Charge Pocket app connects drivers to 445 charging sites, representing 650 chargers, including multiple high-capacity charging stations, and more than 1 200 connectors.

The app also provides EV drivers with a real-time response to queries.

“GridCars has prioritised local content and skills development, ensuring South Africa’s EV transition supports jobs, industrial capability and long-term economic growth,” says Jordaan.

“GridCars’ intelligent charging systems are also designed for South Africa’s energy environment, enabling integration with solar, batteries and smart load management, where required.”

Beyond private EV drivers, GridCars also supports fleets, retailers and commercial operators transitioning to electric mobility at scale, he adds.

Looking ahead, GridCars is preparing for “a year of bold moves”, says Jordaan.

“Inspired by Huawei’s message of ‘Charging EVs faster than making a cup of coffee’, GridCars will introduce ultra-fast charging technology designed to minimise downtime and make EV travel effortless.”

This goal will see the arrival of ultrafast liquid-cooled chargers in South Africa, which should bring global-standard charging speeds to South Africa, notes Jordaan.

GridCars is also set to introduce an enhanced digital experience, with smarter platforms that will improve visibility on charging station availability, and which will enable predictive maintenance and easy payment.