1. Acceptance of Terms
These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("you", "your", "Driver", or "Customer" as applicable) and linqEV Operators Inc. ("linqEV", "we", "us", or "our"), governing your access to and use of the linqEV electric vehicle charging network, our mobile applications (including the linqEV and linqNRG apps), our website, any subscription plans, and the Host a Linq partner programme (collectively, the "Services").
By creating a linqEV account, downloading the app, initiating a charging session, applying to become a Host, or otherwise accessing or using the Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and by our Privacy Policy.
If you are accepting these Terms on behalf of a business or other legal entity (for example, a fleet operator or Host business), you represent and warrant that you have the authority to bind that entity.
If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not use the Services.
2. Definitions
- "App" means the linqEV and linqNRG mobile applications and any successor or related mobile software made available by linqEV.
- "Charger" / "Station" means an electric vehicle charging unit operated by linqEV or by a roaming partner accessible via the linqEV Network.
- "Connector" means the physical cable and plug used to connect a Charger to a Vehicle (e.g. Type 2, CCS2, CHAdeMO).
- "Driver" means any natural person who uses the App or the charging Network to charge a Vehicle.
- "Host" means a business or property owner who participates in the Host a Linq programme by hosting one or more Chargers on their premises.
- "Network" means the public and partner-accessible charging infrastructure operated, integrated, or made interoperable by linqEV.
- "Session" means a single charging transaction commencing when energy delivery to a Vehicle begins and ending when energy delivery is stopped, whether by the Driver, the Charger, or the Vehicle.
- "Subscription" means a recurring paid plan such as linqEV Plus or linqEV Pro that provides reduced tariffs or additional features.
- "Tariff" means the per-kWh, per-minute, or session fee published by linqEV for a particular Charger or Subscription tier.
- "Vehicle" means an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle that the Driver charges using the Network.
3. Services Overview
linqEV provides an integrated EV charging service in the Republic of South Africa consisting of:
3.1 Public Charging Network
A growing network of AC and DC fast Chargers at host sites such as retailers, hotels, business parks, and public destinations. Drivers can locate, reserve (where supported), authorise, and pay for Sessions through the App.
3.2 Mobile Applications
The linqEV and linqNRG apps allow you to view live Charger availability, navigate to Stations, start and stop Sessions, manage payment methods, view receipts, and manage your account and Subscription.
3.3 Subscription Plans
linqEV offers tiered Subscription plans (currently Pay-As-You-Go, linqEV Plus, and linqEV Pro) that provide varying tariffs and benefits. Current pricing, benefits, and any plan changes are published at linqev.co.za and in the App. Subscription terms supplement, and do not replace, these Terms.
3.4 Host a Linq Programme
Businesses and property owners may apply to host one or more linqEV Chargers under the Host a Linq programme, sharing in the revenue generated by Sessions at their site. Host participation is subject to a separate Host Agreement which prevails over these Terms in the event of conflict on Host-specific matters.
3.5 Roaming & Interoperability
The App may allow you to authorise Sessions at Chargers operated by third-party networks under roaming arrangements. Pricing, availability, and reliability at roaming Chargers are determined by the operator of that Charger and are outside linqEV's control.
4. Accounts & Eligibility
To use most Services you must register for a linqEV account. By doing so you confirm and agree that:
- You are at least 18 years of age and have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract
- The information you provide is accurate, current, and complete, and you will keep it updated
- You will maintain the confidentiality of your account credentials and not share them with any third party
- You are responsible for all activity that occurs under your account, including any Sessions initiated and Tariffs incurred
- You will notify us immediately of any unauthorised access to or use of your account
We reserve the right to suspend, restrict, or terminate any account that we reasonably believe is being used in violation of these Terms, poses a security or fraud risk, or has not been used for an extended period.
5. Charging Sessions
5.1 Starting a Session
To start a Session, you must have a registered linqEV account with a valid payment method (or an active Subscription that permits the relevant Session), and you must be physically present at the selected Charger. The Driver is responsible for connecting and disconnecting the Connector to the Vehicle in accordance with the Charger and Vehicle manufacturer instructions.
5.2 Authorisation & Pre-Authorisation Holds
When you start a Session, your selected payment method may be pre-authorised for an estimated amount. The final charge will be based on the actual energy delivered and any applicable per-minute, session, or idle fees, and any pre-authorisation hold will be reversed or settled accordingly. The timing of bank-side hold reversal is determined by your card issuer and is not controlled by linqEV.
5.3 Stopping a Session
A Session may be stopped by the Driver via the App or the Charger interface, automatically by the Charger when the Vehicle indicates a full battery, or automatically by the Vehicle's onboard charge controller. Sessions may also be terminated for safety, fault, or network reasons.
5.4 Receipts & Disputes
A receipt summarising the Session (Station, time, energy delivered, cost) is made available in the App after the Session ends. If you believe a Session was incorrectly charged, you must raise the dispute with linqEV within 30 days of the Session by emailing support@linqev.com. Disputes raised after 30 days may not be eligible for refund.
5.5 Idle Fees
To keep Chargers available for other Drivers, linqEV may apply idle or occupancy fees to Vehicles that remain connected after a Session has ended. Where applicable, these fees are disclosed in the App before the Session begins.
6. Tariffs, Subscriptions & Payment
6.1 Tariffs
Charging Tariffs vary by Charger speed, location, time of day, and Subscription tier. The applicable Tariff for a given Charger is displayed in the App before you start a Session. By initiating a Session, you accept the Tariff displayed.
Tariffs are quoted inclusive of value-added tax (VAT) where applicable, unless otherwise stated. Tariffs may change from time to time; changes apply to Sessions initiated after the change takes effect and do not retroactively alter past Sessions.
6.2 Subscriptions
Subscriptions are billed in advance on a recurring basis (e.g. monthly) using the payment method on file. By subscribing, you authorise linqEV to charge the recurring Subscription fee until you cancel.
- You may cancel a Subscription at any time via the App. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period; you retain access to Subscription benefits until then.
- Subscription fees are non-refundable for partial billing periods, except where required by law.
- linqEV may change Subscription pricing or benefits with at least 30 days' notice via the App or by email. If you do not wish to accept the changes, you may cancel before they take effect.
- If a recurring Subscription payment fails, we may retry the charge, suspend Subscription benefits, or downgrade your account to Pay-As-You-Go.
6.3 Payment Methods
You must keep a valid payment method on file to use the Services beyond any free tier. You are responsible for any fees, taxes, exchange rate differences, or charges imposed by your card issuer or bank in connection with payments to linqEV.
6.4 Refunds
Refunds may be granted at linqEV's reasonable discretion in cases such as Charger malfunctions that delivered no energy, billing errors, or other circumstances that warrant a refund. Refunds are generally credited to the original payment method.
7. EV Compatibility & Safe Use
Before starting a Session you must:
- Confirm that the Connector type is compatible with your Vehicle
- Inspect the Charger and Connector for visible damage and not use any Charger or Connector that appears damaged, wet beyond normal conditions, or otherwise unsafe
- Follow all on-site signage, the Charger's on-screen instructions, and your Vehicle manufacturer's charging guidelines
- Take reasonable care to prevent damage to the Charger, Connector, and other people's property
You must not attempt to repair, modify, or open any Charger. Suspected faults should be reported via the App or by emailing support@linqev.com.
8. Host a Linq Programme
Businesses and property owners interested in hosting linqEV Chargers may apply via the Host a Linq programme. Acceptance into the programme is at linqEV's sole discretion and is subject to site survey, electrical assessment, and execution of a separate Host Agreement.
The Host Agreement governs matters specific to hosting Chargers, including revenue share, equipment ownership, installation responsibilities, maintenance, electricity supply, exclusivity, and termination. To the extent of any conflict between the Host Agreement and these Terms on Host-specific matters, the Host Agreement prevails.
Indicative revenue share figures published on our website are projections and are not a guarantee of actual earnings, which depend on Charger utilisation, Tariffs, electricity costs, and other factors.
9. Acceptable Use
You agree not to:
- Use the Services for any unlawful purpose or in violation of any applicable law or regulation
- Use a Charger to charge any device, battery, or vehicle other than a road-legal electric or plug-in hybrid Vehicle compatible with the Connector
- Attempt to bypass the App or payment system to obtain energy without payment
- Tamper with, vandalise, deface, or interfere with the operation of any Charger
- Block, obstruct, or otherwise occupy a Charger or charging bay without an active Session
- Share, sell, or resell your account, Subscription, or RFID credentials, or use them for fleet or commercial sub-metering not authorised in writing by linqEV
- Attempt to gain unauthorised access to any part of the App, our systems, or other users' accounts
- Reverse-engineer, decompile, or attempt to derive the source code of the App or the Network's back-end systems
- Use automated scripts, bots, or scrapers to access the App or extract data from it
- Remove, obscure, or alter any proprietary notices or branding on the App, Chargers, or receipts
10. Intellectual Property
The Services, including the App, website, branding, "linqEV", "linqNRG", and the "Host a Linq" name and marks, the design and graphics of Chargers, software, content, layout, design, and all associated intellectual property, are and remain the exclusive property of linqEV Operators Inc. and/or its licensors.
Subject to your compliance with these Terms, you are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable licence to access and use the Services for their intended purpose. No other rights are granted by implication, estoppel, or otherwise.
11. Privacy & Data Protection
Your personal information is processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which forms part of these Terms. Please review the Privacy Policy to understand what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights under POPIA.
12. Disclaimer of Warranties
The Services, the Network, the App, and all Charging Sessions, content, and outputs are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis.
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law (including, where applicable, the Consumer Protection Act, 2008), linqEV expressly disclaims all warranties, whether express, implied, statutory, or otherwise, including but not limited to:
- Any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement
- Any warranty that the Network or any specific Charger will be available, operational, or accessible at any particular time
- Any warranty regarding the actual charging speed achieved during a Session — speeds depend on the Charger, the Vehicle, the state of charge, ambient temperature, grid conditions, and other factors outside linqEV's control
- Any warranty that the App will be uninterrupted, error-free, secure, or free of viruses or other harmful components
- Any warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of information displayed in the App, including live availability, navigation routes, range estimates, or Tariffs displayed in real time
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, linqEV does not warrant:
- That a Charger displayed as "available" will remain available by the time you arrive
- That any Charger is compatible with every make or model of EV
- That a Session will deliver a particular quantity of energy or recharge your Vehicle to any particular state of charge
- That third-party roaming Chargers will operate to the same standard as linqEV-operated Chargers
- That charging facilities, parking, or related amenities at a host site will remain unchanged
Nothing in this section limits, excludes, or modifies any consumer right that cannot lawfully be limited, excluded, or modified under South African law, including the Consumer Protection Act, 2008.
13. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law:
- linqEV shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, revenue, opportunity, data, anticipated savings, vehicle range, time, or goodwill, arising out of or in connection with these Terms or the Services, regardless of the theory of liability and even if linqEV has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
- linqEV shall not be liable for damage to a Vehicle, battery, or other property arising from the use of a Charger except to the extent that such damage is caused directly by the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of linqEV.
- linqEV shall not be liable for any losses arising from Charger unavailability, Session interruption, slower-than-expected charging speeds, reservation failure, or roaming partner outages.
- linqEV shall not be liable for losses arising from the Driver's failure to confirm Vehicle compatibility, follow on-screen instructions, or operate the Connector in accordance with the Vehicle or Charger manufacturer's guidelines.
- In no event shall linqEV's total aggregate liability to you for all claims arising out of or in connection with these Terms or the Services in any 12-month period exceed the greater of (i) the total fees paid by you to linqEV during that 12-month period, or (ii) ZAR 1,000.
Nothing in this section limits or excludes liability that cannot lawfully be limited or excluded under South African law, including liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot be excluded under the Consumer Protection Act, 2008.
14. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless linqEV Operators Inc., its directors, officers, employees, contractors, and agents from and against any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or related to:
- Your use of or access to the Services
- Your breach of these Terms
- Your violation of any law or third-party right
- Damage to a Charger, host property, or any third party's property arising from your misuse of a Charger or Connector
- Your provision of inaccurate or misleading information to linqEV
15. Network Availability & Roaming
We aim to maintain high availability of the App and Network but do not guarantee uninterrupted operation. The App and individual Chargers may be temporarily unavailable due to scheduled maintenance, load-shedding, grid disturbances, hardware faults, software updates, network issues, or circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
Where you use the App to authorise a Session at a Charger operated by a roaming partner, the operation and reliability of that Charger is the responsibility of the partner operator. Tariffs at roaming Chargers may differ from linqEV-operated Charger Tariffs and are displayed in the App before you start a Session.
We shall not be liable for any loss or damage resulting from temporary unavailability of any Charger, the Network, or the App.
16. Suspension & Termination
16.1 Termination by You
You may close your linqEV account at any time via the App or by contacting support@linqev.com. Cancelling a Subscription does not automatically close your account — see section 6.2 for Subscription cancellation.
16.2 Suspension or Termination by linqEV
linqEV may suspend or terminate your access to the Services immediately and without notice if:
- You materially breach these Terms, including the Acceptable Use provisions
- Your payment method fails repeatedly and any outstanding amounts are not settled
- We reasonably suspect fraud, account abuse, or unauthorised access
- We are required to do so by law or regulatory authority
- You damage, tamper with, or misuse a Charger in a way that poses safety risks to other users
16.3 Effect of Termination
Upon termination, your right to use the Services ceases. Any outstanding balances remain payable, and any active Subscription will end at the close of the current billing period unless terminated earlier for breach. Provisions of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination — including Disclaimer of Warranties, Limitation of Liability, Indemnification, Intellectual Property, and Governing Law — shall continue in full force.
17. Governing Law & Disputes
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
Before instituting any legal proceedings, the parties agree to first attempt to resolve any dispute through good-faith negotiation between authorised representatives for a period of not less than 30 (thirty) days from written notice of the dispute.
If the dispute is not resolved through negotiation, the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria, save where the Magistrates' Court has concurrent jurisdiction, in which case linqEV may elect to institute proceedings in that court.
Nothing in this section limits your rights under the Consumer Protection Act, 2008, including the right to refer disputes to the National Consumer Commission or the relevant consumer ombudsman.
18. Changes to These Terms
linqEV reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via the App, our website, or by email to the address associated with your account at least 14 days before they take effect (except where a shorter notice period is required by law or to address security, legal, or regulatory matters).
Continued use of the Services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. If you do not agree with any changes, you must discontinue your use of the Services and close your account before the changes take effect.
19. General Provisions
- Entire agreement: These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and any plan- or Host-specific terms incorporated by reference, constitute the entire agreement between you and linqEV regarding the Services and supersede any prior agreements on the same subject matter.
- Severability: If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
- No waiver: Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms shall not be construed as a waiver of that or any other provision.
- Assignment: You may not assign or transfer your rights under these Terms without our prior written consent. linqEV may assign these Terms in connection with a merger, acquisition, reorganisation, or sale of substantially all of its assets.
- Force majeure: linqEV shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to load-shedding, grid failure, natural disasters, government actions, civil disturbances, labour disputes, or telecommunications failures.
- Headings: Section headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation.
20. Contact Us
If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: