News
Zimi Charge raises R50 million led by DBSA for South African EV fleets
South African energy technology company Zimi Charge has closed a R50 million round led by the Development Bank of Southern Africa to electrify fleets.
By Propel Africa · 2026-06-02
Zimi Charge has closed a R50 million funding round led by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), Logistics News reported on 2 June. Keyo Ventures and a group of angel investors completed the round.
What Zimi does
Zimi is an energy technology company that deploys electric vehicles and end-to-end EV ecosystems for fleet and logistics operators. Its offer covers vehicles, charging infrastructure, solar, energy management and financing, either through outright purchase or a Full Maintenance Lease model. Michael Maas is founder and chief executive. The company claims savings of up to 90% in energy cost per kilometre.
Plans
The funding will help Zimi expand its existing customer sites and pilots, open talks with more fleets and support flexible financing, including the lease model. Over the next 18 months it is aiming for about 200 commercial fleet stations and 2,000 EVs. It plans to scale across the region from its South African base. Maas described the funders as "door-openers".
At a glance
- Company: Zimi Charge
- Raised: R50 million
- Lead: Development Bank of Southern Africa
- Other investors: Keyo Ventures, angel investors
- Markets: South Africa
- Key figure: Target of 2,000 EVs in 18 months