Electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in Africa is growing—but unevenly. This guide covers public and solar-powered charging stations across key markets, costs (e.g. around $4.80 per 100 km), leading providers, and what to expect when using or investing in EV charging infrastructure on the continent.
South Africa leads with over 400–450 public charging points operated by major networks like GridCars, Chargify, and Rubicon:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. In Kenya, Nigeria, Morocco, and Rwanda, EV infrastructure is emerging—welcome progress but infrastructure remains mostly urban-focused:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
Charging costs vary widely:
Country | Home Charging (per kWh) | Public AC Charging | Public DC Fast Charging |
---|---|---|---|
South Africa | R3–R4 (~$0.16–$0.21/kWh) | R5.88 (~$0.31/kWh) | R7.00–8.12 (~$0.37–$0.43/kWh):contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} |
Kenya | ~KES 20–30 (~$0.15–0.20) | KES 35–45 (~$0.22–0.28) | KES 45–60 (~$0.28–0.38):contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10} |
Senegal | ~$0.24 (subsidized) | — | — ($4.80/100 km ≈ $0.24/kWh):contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11} |
Charging 100 km may cost around $4.80 in regions with subsidized rates (e.g. Senegal), while South Africa’s public DC charging typically runs higher (~$0.37–0.43/kWh):contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
Use apps like ChargePocket, EVChaja app, Electromaps, or Plugshare to find and reserve chargers in advance:contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
Most networks require RFID or app-based accounts (e.g. Jaguar/Land Rover users get discounted rates in SA):contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
South Africa’s CHARGE network is deploying solar‑powered off‑grid sites to fill gaps in remote areas—ideal for long drives in underserved regions:contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
This video explores South Africa’s first completely off‑grid EV charging station, detailing its solar‑powered fast‑charging setup in Wolmaransstad:contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
Interested in deploying chargers, planning EV routes, or learning more about costs? Contact EV infrastructure providers like GridCars, EVChaja, or Zero Carbon Charge for network coverage or quotations. Africa’s EV charging infrastructure is evolving quickly—stay informed and plan proactively.