EVs charging stations to be installed at every 50, 120km in Ethiopia – Authority

Addis Ababa, January 10, 2025 (FMC) — Charging stations for electric vehicles are set to be installed at every 50 and 120 kilometers across the country, according to Ethiopia’s Petroleum and Energy Authority.

Mr. Bahru Oljra, Executive Director of Energy Sector Control at the Authority, revealed that a directive containing a regulatory framework for electric vehicle charging systems has been approved.

The directive, according to him, mainly deals with licensing for charging stations, charging service tariff, power supply level, and security.

Speaking to Fana Media Corporation, Bahru pointed out that there are currently three types of charging stations; such as at home, including a station built for public services or business purposes where service fees are collected.

Mentioning that site permit for the charging stations has not yet been granted, the official reminded that those who have already built charging stations are required to obtain a license within six months from the date of approval of the directive.

The initiative is expected to make it easier for electric vehicle owners to travel long distances without worrying about running out of power.

The country’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics (MoTL) recently confirmed that there are currently 1.5 million fuel-powered vehicles in Ethiopia, disclosing plans to transition fuel-powered public, government, and taxi vehicles to electric ones.

The ministry further revealed the plan to replace 432,000 gas-powered vehicles with electric vehicles in 10 years, adding that in the past two and a half years, up to 100,000 electric vehicles have been put into operation nationwide.

The ministry added that efforts are well underway to expand electric vehicles on the streets of various cities and towns across Ethiopia.