The news
- South African startup Zimi receives a $320,000 (R6 million) grant from EEP Africa to test vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology.
- The project aims to transform electric vehicles into mobile energy storage units, enhancing grid stability during load shedding.
- Zimi plans to collaborate with logistics companies to integrate V2G capabilities into their fleets.
South African electric vehicle (EV) charging startup Zimi has secured $320,000 (R6 million) in grant funding from the Energy and Environment Partnership (EEP) Africa Trust Fund. The grant will support the pilot testing of Zimi’s vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, which enables EVs to supply power back to homes, businesses, or the national grid.
In a country grappling with frequent load shedding and energy instability, Zimi’s V2G project offers a potential solution by transforming parked EVs into mobile energy storage units. This technology could provide backup power during outages, enhancing grid resilience and supporting the transition to sustainable energy sources.
Zimi plans to collaborate with major logistics companies to integrate V2G capabilities into their fleets. By doing so, the startup aims to not only support the shift to electric mobility but also leverage idle fleet vehicles as energy assets, reducing operational costs and carbon emissions for businesses.
“V2G technology is not just about electric vehicles; it’s about transforming EVs into mobile energy storage assets that enhance grid stability, drive energy efficiency, and empower a more resilient, sustainable energy future for South Africa,” said Michael Maas, CEO of Zimi.
The grant from EEP Africa positions Zimi among a select group of innovators, with only 32 projects funded out of over 530 applications in the latest portfolio round. This support underscores the potential impact of Zimi’s V2G initiative on the region’s energy landscape.
Zimi’s efforts align with a growing trend in South Africa’s EV market. The recent launch of the Volvo EX90, one of the country’s first electric vehicles equipped with bi-directional charging, indicates a shift towards embracing technologies that facilitate energy feedback to the grid.
As EV adoption increases and charging infrastructure becomes more accessible, Zimi’s V2G technology could play a crucial role in addressing South Africa’s energy challenges. By turning vehicles into power sources, the startup offers a glimpse into a future where mobility and energy solutions converge for greater sustainability.
