GridCars, a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in South Africa, has announced a necessary rate adjustment due to the significant increase in electricity prices. The company has absorbed annual price hikes over the past four years to support the EV industry, but the latest increase imposed by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has made it financially challenging to operate. Starting from June 1, 2023, GridCars will implement a rate adjustment, reflecting a 25% increase in charging costs. Despite this adjustment, GridCars remains dedicated to advancing the EV revolution in the country.
Supporting EV Growth Amidst Increasing Costs
GridCars has been at the forefront of promoting EV adoption in South Africa, striving to create a robust charging infrastructure network. Over the years, the company has absorbed the escalating electricity prices, totaling a substantial 66% increase since 2019. However, the recent price hike imposed by NERSA has made it impractical for GridCars to continue absorbing these costs.
The company acknowledges the impact of the rate adjustment on EV drivers and the broader EV community. Nevertheless, GridCars emphasizes that this decision was made in collaboration with its sites and partners to keep the increased rate as minimal as possible. By doing so, they aim to strike a balance between covering rising operational expenses and ensuring continued accessibility and affordability for EV drivers.
The New Rates
Effective from June 1, 2023, GridCars will implement revised rates for both DC and AC chargers. The cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) at a GridCars DC charger will be R7.35, while at a GridCars AC charger, it will be R5.88. These rates represent a 25% increase compared to the previous pricing structure.
While the adjustment may be unwelcome news for some EV drivers, it is essential to consider the context. GridCars highlights that Eskom, the national electricity supplier, has raised the cost of electricity by more than 66% since the R5.88 rate was established. GridCars has made efforts to mitigate the impact of this increase and maintains its commitment to advancing the EV revolution in South Africa.
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