In a major step for electric transport, the STS Tech Group has launched ‘Smart EV’, a new charging infrastructure designed to tackle South Africa’s unique energy challenges.
The company, known for building Africa’s largest EV charging centre, is using powerful global partnerships to bring world-class technology to local roads. This new system is a full service, offering smart, scalable charging solutions for everyone from homeowners to large companies.
A key feature is its ability to work around power cuts. The system can boost charging capacity and speeds by up to 300% when grid outages loom, helping to keep essential transport running during load shedding.
The success is already being seen in real-world use. Major bus service Golden Arrow is one of the first large clients to benefit. Company Engineer Gideon Neethling stated: “With the Smart EV system in place, we aren’t only saving 63% on the energy component of our business, but we’re now using our surplus solar power wisely… it was a cost-effective and seamless process, turned around in a jiff.
Michael Leighton, Smart EV’s Chief Technical Officer, explained how the technical setup works for such a large operation: “this specific project involved increasing the City of Cape Town supply from 1 MW to 3 MW, redesigning the infrastructure and metering onsite, with new EV chargers monitored through smart systems, controlled to not charge during peak times… During daytime charging, the chargers make use of energy produced from the onsite solar.”
The company promises a fast, start-to-finish service, handling everything from consultation and design to installation and 24/7 smart monitoring.
Mike Pritchard, Chief Experience Officer of STS Tech Group and Smart EV, captured the company’s ambitious vision, saying: “At Smart EV, we don’t follow trends, we set them. We don’t ride waves, we make them… We’re not just charging vehicles – we’re empowering people, creating jobs, and energizing a cleaner, more efficient tomorrow.”
With the largest EV charging capacity in the country, STS Tech Group is positioning itself at the center of South Africa’s electric future.
