Summary
- Kabisa launched the first ultra-fast charging hub in Kigali, Rwanda
- Ethio telecom launched an ultra-fast EV charging station in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- The hub in Kigali can charge 32 EVs simultaneously with eight 600kW ultra-fast chargers
- Ethiopia aims to support the import of 4,800 electric buses and 148,000 electric automobiles by 2030
- Ethiopia has made significant progress in transitioning to EVs, with a plan to have nearly 500,000 electric vehicles in the next 10 years
Article
The electric vehicle charging scene in East Africa is experiencing significant growth, with the launch of ultra-fast charging hubs in Kigali, Rwanda, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The hub in Kigali can charge up to 32 EVs simultaneously, with six charging bays for private cars and commercial fleets. Ethio Telecom, a telecom provider in Ethiopia, launched an ultra-fast EV charging station with smart, AI-powered chargers that can charge up to 32 vehicles at once. The hub includes ultra-fast chargers and super-fast chargers, as well as smart pole chargers integrated into smart city infrastructure for emergency charging options.
Ethiopia has taken significant steps towards electrifying its transportation sector by banning the importation of internal combustion engine vehicles. With a high fossil fuel import bill and a vision for energy security, Ethiopia aims to transition to electric vehicles. Tens of thousands of electric cars have been imported into Ethiopia since the ban on ICE vehicles, leading to the need for more charging infrastructure. Ethio Telecom’s initiative to launch EV charging hubs aligns with Ethiopia’s goal of promoting electric vehicle adoption and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The Minister of Transport and Logistics in Ethiopia has a 10-year plan to support the import of thousands of electric buses and automobiles to catalyze electric vehicle adoption in the country. Ethiopia aims to have close to 500,000 electric vehicles on the roads by 2030, with a target of over 100,000 electric cars already met within the first two years of the plan. Due to the low motorization rate in Ethiopia and restrictions on ICE vehicle imports, the country could have one of the fastest transitions to electric vehicles globally.
The launch of ultra-fast charging hubs in Ethiopia by Ethio Telecom is a significant step towards supporting the transition to electric vehicles in the country. The presence of charging hubs that can charge 32 vehicles simultaneously, with chargers supporting up to 600kW and 500kW, demonstrates Ethiopia’s commitment to electrifying its transportation sector. With the rapid adoption of electric cars in Addis Ababa, the need for more charging infrastructure has become apparent, and Ethio Telecom’s initiative addresses this need and supports the growing number of EVs in the country.
Ethiopia’s progress in transitioning to electric vehicles is impressive, with locally assembled and imported EVs adding to the country’s fleet. With the rapid growth of the EV market in Ethiopia, the need for charging infrastructure and skilled technicians to support EVs has become more pressing. The government’s target of having close to 500,000 electric vehicles by 2030 shows the commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable transportation solutions in the country.
The development of ultra-fast charging hubs in East Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, is a significant step towards supporting the growth of electric vehicles in the region. With the increasing importation of EVs and the need for charging infrastructure, initiatives like Ethio Telecom’s charging hubs play a crucial role in promoting electric mobility and reducing carbon emissions. As Ethiopia continues to lead the way in electric vehicle adoption, the future looks promising for a cleaner and more sustainable transportation sector in the country.
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