Load Shedding and Electric Cars: Can You Still Charge During Power Cuts? (2026 SA Guide)
Yes, You Can Charge During Load Shedding – Smart Strategies
Reality check: 78% of South African EV owners report NO significant charging issues despite load shedding, using smart timing and scheduling.
Load Shedding Charging Strategies
| Strategy | Cost | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule Between Cycles | R0 – FREE | High (Stage 1-4) ✓ |
| Solar + Charger | R80,000-R180,000 | Very High (daytime) |
| Battery Backup | R25,000-R60,000 | Medium (limited kWh) |
| Workplace Charging | R0 (employer pays) | High (if available) |
Real Schedule Example (Stage 4)
Even at Stage 4, you get 16.5 hours of power daily:
- 06:00-08:30: OFF (2.5 hours)
- 08:30-14:00: ON (5.5 hours) ← CHARGE HERE
- 14:00-16:30: OFF (2.5 hours)
- 16:30-22:00: ON (5.5 hours) ← OR HERE
- 22:00-00:30: OFF (2.5 hours)
- 00:30-06:00: ON (5.5 hours) ← BEST OVERNIGHT
Key: EVs need 8 hours for full charge. With 16.5 hours available, there’s always time!
📱 Smart Tip: Use EskomSePush app (free) to see your schedule, set charger to start during longest power-on gap.
Solar Charging: Load Shedding Immunity
Solar + EV charging = ultimate load shedding solution. Charge during sunny days, completely independent of grid.
Solar System Costs (2026)
- Basic: R80,000-R120,000 (5kW solar + inverter, no battery)
- Full: R120,000-R180,000 (8kW solar + battery backup)
- Monthly savings: R1,200-R1,800 (electricity + charging)
- Payback: 5-7 years
- Financing: R350-R1,000/month options coming 2026
🏠 Combined Quote: Get solar + EV charger quotes at Charger Installation page – many offer bundled pricing.
🚀 Register for EV Charger Financing
Coming Soon! Register your interest to be first in line when our financing programs launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge my EV during load shedding?
No during your block, but yes between cycles. Stage 4 gives 16.5 hours power daily – more than 8 hours needed for full charge. Smart timing or solar backup solves this completely.
How do SA EV owners cope with load shedding?
78% report no issues: (1) Schedule charging between cycles using EskomSePush app, (2) Charge overnight during longest power-on period, (3) Some use solar for grid-independent charging. EVs have 300-400km range, daily charging not always needed.
Can you charge EV with solar during load shedding?
Yes! Solar works independently of grid. Systems R80,000-R180,000. Charge during sun, store excess in batteries. 100% load shedding immunity, saves R1,200-R1,800/month.
What if I can’t charge due to extended load shedding?
Stage 6 still provides 12 hours power daily – enough for overnight. If stuck: (1) Workplace charging, (2) Public fast chargers (30 min), (3) Shopping center chargers. Only 3% report actual problems.
Is solar charging worth it in SA?
Yes long-term: R120k-R180k system saves R1,200-R1,800/month, pays back in 5-7 years. After that, essentially free charging for 20+ years. Also increases property value, provides load shedding independence.
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