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The Eastern Cape has expanded its clean-mobility network with the launch of the province’s 6th electric vehicle charging station. MEC Nonkqubela Pieters unveiled the charger on 08 December 2025 at the Royal St Andrews Hotel, strengthening the province’s role as a national automotive and e-mobility leader.
What Happened?
The new charger is one of 15 fully operational stations across the Eastern Cape. It arrives ahead of the festive season, when Port Alfred sees a sharp rise in holiday traffic.
Officials say the addition improves long-distance EV travel, linking KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, and the Western Cape through a reliable provincial charging corridor.
MEC Pieters said expanding EV infrastructure is essential for diversifying the automotive sector and positioning the province at the forefront of clean-mobility innovation.
Local Response
Royal St Andrews Hotel General Manager, Difford Louw, welcomed the investment. He said the charger is already attracting visitors.
“One journalist arrived to charge their EV and stayed for three nights. They later published a positive review. That shows the economic value of installing this infrastructure,” he said.
Why It Matters?
The growing EV network supports provincial strategies, including the PDP and PMDTP, which prioritize competitiveness, job creation, tourism growth, and green industrial development.
Events such as the NAACAM Show and Autoweek further highlight the Eastern Cape’s commitment to sustainable automotive innovation.
