South African electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions company Zimi has been awarded $320,000 (approximately R6 million) in grant funding to advance its vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. The funding was provided by the Energy and Environment Partnership (EEP) Africa Trust Fund, a major financier of clean energy projects across Southern and East Africa. Zimi’s selection came after a highly competitive process, with only 32 projects chosen from over 530 applications.
Reimagining EVs as Energy Assets
Vehicle-to-grid technology allows EVs to supply electricity back to homes, businesses, or the broader power grid during peak demand or outages. In a country like South Africa, where load shedding and grid instability are frequent issues, this innovation presents a promising solution to energy reliability. Zimi’s project aims to demonstrate the practicality and economic potential of using parked EVs as decentralized energy storage systems.
Pilot Projects to Test Real-World Viability
The funding will support pilot deployments designed to evaluate the operational challenges and limitations of V2G technology under South African grid conditions. According to CEO Michael Maas, the grant will be used to “investigate and understand the limitations and challenges” of V2G, while also developing a viable commercial model. These trials are critical for testing how bidirectional charging interacts with local infrastructure and energy regulations.
Logistics Fleets as Launchpad for V2G
Zimi’s business model focuses on partnering with logistics companies to support their transition to electric fleets, combining cost efficiency with environmental benefits. By integrating V2G capabilities, Zimi enables fleet operators to not only charge their vehicles but also use them as energy assets when idle. This dual functionality provides an incentive for commercial fleets to adopt EVs while easing pressure on the national grid.
Strategic Partnerships Strengthen Market Position
The company has already established partnerships with notable logistics providers, including Bakers Logistics, which has helped Zimi refine its offerings and prove the concept at scale. These collaborations are key to building credibility and refining the technology in real-world use cases. Maas emphasized that a strong track record is essential to gaining industry trust and accelerating market adoption.
Timing Aligned with EV Market Growth
Zimi’s announcement coincides with the South African debut of the Volvo EX90, one of the first EVs in the country equipped with bidirectional charging—a core requirement for V2G functionality. As more EVs come equipped with this feature, the market for grid-integrated charging solutions is poised to grow. Zimi sees this as a turning point for the broader adoption of V2G, beginning with commercial users and eventually reaching everyday consumers.
While mass consumer adoption may still be on the horizon, Zimi is laying the groundwork for a scalable and sustainable energy model that leverages the growing EV ecosystem. By transforming electric vehicles into mobile energy hubs, the company hopes to address both energy security and climate goals. With support from EEP Africa, Zimi is positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s transition to smarter, cleaner energy systems.
This article is based on original reporting by TechCabal