Zimi a South African electric vehicle (EV) charging startup has raised $320,000 (R6 million) in grant funding from the Energy and Environment Partnership (EEP Africa Trust Fund) to pilot its vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology—a system that enables EVs to send power back to homes, businesses, or even the national grid when demand spikes.
Zimi was one of just 32 projects selected from over 530 applicants in EEP Africa’s latest funding round. The initiative, backed by one of the leading clean energy financiers in Southern and East Africa, is especially timely in a country where load shedding and grid instability are daily challenges.
“The grant aims to investigate and understand the limitations and challenges of V2G technology, develop real-world pilot applications, and ultimately create a commercial model that fits within existing grid constraints,” said Michael Maas, CEO of Zimi.
Zimi’s approach centers on partnering with logistics companies to support their transition to electric fleets—helping them cut costs and reduce carbon emissions. Through V2G, the company aims to transform parked EVs into mobile energy assets that can power warehouses, depots, or even feed electricity back into the national grid during peak hours.
While widespread consumer adoption of V2G may still be a few years away, Zimi believes fleet operators are the natural early adopters, given their scale and predictable charging patterns. “Perhaps the most important factor is a proven track record—something we’ve established through our work with major logistics providers such as Bakers Logistics,” Maas added.
The funding announcement comes shortly after the launch of Volvo’s EX90 in South Africa—one of the country’s first electric vehicles equipped with bi-directional charging, a key feature that enables V2G technology.
Zimi sees this moment not just as a tech milestone, but as the beginning of a broader energy shift—where EVs don’t just move people and goods, but also power homes and businesses in times of need.
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