Load Shedding and Electric Cars: Can You Still Charge in South Africa?

Can You Still Charge an EV During Load Shedding?

Yes, with the right setup you can absolutely charge your EV during load shedding – and by 2026, most South African EV owners have implemented smart solutions that make load shedding a minor inconvenience rather than a showstopper.

The key is understanding that modern EVs and charging infrastructure are specifically designed to work around South Africa’s unique power challenges. With strategic planning and the right equipment, you can maintain excellent charging reliability even during Stage 6 load shedding.

5 Proven Load Shedding Charging Solutions

Solution 1: Smart Scheduling (FREE)

Modern EV chargers include intelligent scheduling that automatically charges your vehicle during non-load shedding periods. The charger monitors your local load shedding schedule and optimizes charging to maximize available power windows.

Pros: Free, no additional equipment needed
Cons: Requires planning ahead, won’t work during extended outages

Solution 2: Solar + Battery Storage

A 5kW solar system with 10kWh battery storage provides daytime charging capability regardless of grid status. This is becoming the gold standard for South African EV owners.

Cost: R120,000-R180,000 installed
Benefit: Near-zero running costs, load shedding independence, home backup power

Solution 3: Generator Backup

A quality 7kW inverter generator can charge your EV at full speed during outages.

Cost: R15,000-R30,000
Running cost: R8-R12 per kWh (vs R5.15 from grid)
Best for: Occasional backup, long-distance travel flexibility

Real-World Load Shedding Charging Strategy

Here’s how successful South African EV owners handle load shedding in 2026:

Daily Routine Approach

Evening charging (18:00-22:00): Primary charging window when most people return home
Night charging (22:00-06:00): Cheapest electricity rates, fewer load shedding stages
Opportunity charging: Top up whenever power is available during the day

With an average EV’s 400km range, most South Africans only need to fully charge 2-3 times per week, making load shedding scheduling very manageable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my EV charger during load shedding?

The charger simply pauses when power goes out and automatically resumes charging when power returns. No damage occurs to either the charger or your vehicle. Modern smart chargers track the interruption and adjust the charging schedule accordingly.

Can I charge my EV with solar panels during load shedding?

Yes, with a battery storage system. A 5kW solar system with 10kWh battery can provide 50-70km of range per day, making you largely independent of grid power. This setup costs R120,000-R180,000 installed.

How much range does an EV lose per day if I can’t charge?

EVs don’t lose charge when parked – they maintain their state of charge. If you drive 50km/day, you’ll use about 9kWh, leaving the rest of your battery available. With 400km average range, you have 8 days of driving before fully depleting the battery.

Is a generator good for charging EVs during load shedding?

Yes, a 7kW inverter generator works perfectly for EV charging and costs R15,000-R30,000. Running costs are higher (R8-R12/kWh vs R5.15/kWh from grid), but it provides complete flexibility during extended outages.

Do public charging stations work during load shedding?

Many modern public DC fast chargers have battery storage or generator backup, keeping them operational during load shedding. Check charging apps for real-time availability of stations near you.