Thabo Nkosi 
Africa is combining its vast renewable energy resources with the rising demand for electric vehicles (EVs) to reshape transportation. By 2025, the EV market is projected to hit $209.9 million, fueled by solar, wind, and hydropower potential. Key highlights include:
- Renewable Energy and EVs: Africa holds 60% of the world’s best solar resources, enabling cost-effective, clean charging solutions. Projects like Kenya’s Lake Turkana Wind Power (310 MW) and Morocco’s Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex (580 MW) are transforming power grids.
- Government Initiatives: Countries like Kenya and Rwanda are cutting import duties on EVs and rolling out solar-powered charging stations and electric buses.
- Private Sector Role: Companies like Ampersand and Zero Carbon Charge are deploying solar-powered charging networks and battery-swapping systems to tackle grid challenges and lower costs.
- Consumer Benefits: EVs offer 83% lower fueling costs and 87.5% lower maintenance expenses compared to traditional vehicles, with long-term savings driving adoption.
However, challenges like high upfront costs, limited charging infrastructure, and grid reliability remain barriers to widespread adoption. With public-private partnerships, renewable energy investments, and innovative solutions, Africa is positioning itself as a leader in clean transportation.
Africa’s EV Revolution & Urban Mobility Solutions | Anazi Zote-Piper
Using Renewable Energy for EV Infrastructure
Africa’s wealth of solar, wind, and hydropower resources is transforming EV charging infrastructure, offering practical and sustainable solutions to local energy challenges.
Solar-Powered Charging Stations
Solar-powered charging stations are proving to be a game-changer for tackling Africa’s grid reliability issues while significantly reducing costs. For example, smart solar charging systems can cut expenses by up to 70%, with peak solar hours bringing rates down to as low as KES 8 per kWh.
In September 2024, Ampersand and CrossBoundary Energy launched an ambitious pilot project in Nairobi to showcase the potential of solar-powered EV infrastructure. This initiative includes 36 electric charging units and 150 lithium-ion batteries, all supported by a 37kWp solar PV system. This project not only addresses the high upfront costs of charging stations but also offers off-balance sheet options for EV providers.
"The availability of reliable, affordable charging infrastructure is essential to scaling our operations and meeting the growing demand for e-mobility in Kenya. With CrossBoundary Energy’s solution, we are confident we can expand faster and more efficiently, bringing our e-bikes to more riders across Kenya and East Africa. By leveraging solar power this expansion will be even more sustainable, cutting carbon emissions faster."
- Hezbon Mose, Kenya Country Director at Ampersand
South Africa is also making strides with solar-powered charging. In November 2024, Zero Carbon Charge introduced a fully off-grid station in the Northwest Province. This station features an ultra-fast DC charger with three terminals, each capable of delivering up to 240 kW. Its solar array, consisting of 480 panels, generates 280 kWp, with energy stored in batteries that hold 550 kWh of capacity. Looking ahead, Zero Carbon Charge plans to establish 120 such stations along national routes, spaced 150 km apart, between 2025 and 2026.
"This has been a three-year journey, highlighting our commitment to making our off-grid network a reality as we believe it will benefit South Africans in multiple ways."
- Joubert Roux, Executive Chairman of Zero Carbon Charge
Rwanda is also advancing its solar-powered EV infrastructure. In April 2025, Kabisa EV House launched in Kigali, offering charging and maintenance facilities powered by solar panels installed by Meshpower. Additionally, Kabisa unveiled an ultra-fast charging option at SP’s Kanombe station, featuring chargers capable of up to 240 kW.
Beyond traditional charging stations, battery swapping systems are emerging as a creative way to expand access in remote areas.
Battery Swapping Networks and Off-Grid Solutions
Battery swapping networks provide a quick and efficient alternative for charging, especially in remote regions. These systems are particularly valuable for commercial vehicles and motorcycle taxis. A typical setup, powered by 64 wind turbines and 402 solar panels, can handle the replacement of 50–200 EV batteries daily. This approach is especially relevant in Africa, where electric two-wheelers are expected to make up as much as 70% of total EV sales by 2040.
The partnership between CrossBoundary Energy and Ampersand in Kenya exemplifies this model. Their system includes 150 lithium-ion batteries placed at solar-powered swap stations. In Kenya’s boda boda sector, which employs 1.5 million people and contributes approximately KES 202 billion (around $1.8 billion) annually to the economy, battery swapping has proven to be a significant economic boost. Riders using electric motorcycles save on fuel and maintenance, earning 45% more than those using petrol-powered bikes.
Off-grid solutions powered by distributed renewable energy are also essential for extending e-mobility into underserved regions. By reducing reliance on grid power and lowering upfront costs, these systems make EV infrastructure accessible in areas where it was previously unfeasible.
These innovations not only improve charging efficiency but also play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions.
Reducing Carbon Emissions with Clean Power
The environmental benefits of EVs are maximized when they are powered by clean energy sources. Transportation accounts for more than 15% of global energy-related emissions, and in Africa, emissions from this sector are projected to double from 90 MtCO2eq in 2020 to around 180 MtCO2eq by 2030. Renewable-powered EV infrastructure offers a way to counter these rising trends.
In Keur Niangane, Senegal, ChargePoint partnered with Africa GreenTec to replace diesel generators with a solar-powered system. This project featured a Solartainer mobile solar power plant, additional photovoltaic panels, energy storage systems, solar-powered streetlights, and over 4,800 meters of electrical cabling. It also installed 119 utility poles, directly improving the lives of over 1,000 people in the rural community.
"At ChargePoint, we believe in the power of technology to create a cleaner, more sustainable future for all. This project is already making a significant difference, particularly in the lives of women and children in this community and we’re proud to contribute to such a meaningful change. We will continue to drive positive environmental and social impact as two of our core values."
- Rick Wilmer, President and CEO of ChargePoint
Looking ahead, the future of renewable-powered EV infrastructure is bright. By 2030, renewable energy is expected to account for 43% of electricity generation. Additionally, the IEA predicts that EVs will make up between 6% and 8% of global electricity demand by 2035. ChargePoint’s global network has already helped prevent 3.2 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. Smart charging systems that align with solar generation patterns further reduce grid reliance and emissions, paving the way for a cleaner transportation landscape.
Policies and Programs Supporting Renewable-Powered EVs
Across Africa, governments and private companies are teaming up to make renewable-powered electric vehicles (EVs) more accessible and affordable. Through targeted policies, investments, and partnerships, they aim to reshape transportation and reduce carbon emissions.
Government Programs for Clean Mobility
Governments across the continent are introducing measures to lower financial barriers and create favorable conditions for EV adoption. These efforts are already yielding results.
In Kenya, the government cut the excise duty on EV imports from 20% to 10%, setting a goal of achieving a 5% EV market share by 2025. The impact has been significant, with registered EVs increasing by 285% over five years, reaching 1,350 vehicles. Nairobi also launched its first fleet of electric buses in April 2025, replacing older diesel buses. The fleet is expected to grow to 30 buses by the following year, showcasing how policy changes can drive rapid adoption of clean energy solutions.
Other cities are following Kenya’s lead. Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire is piloting electric taxis and rolling out charging infrastructure, with plans for regional expansion by 2026. Dakar, Senegal is developing its first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor to cut commute times and reduce reliance on diesel, supported by extensive public outreach. Morocco is taking bold steps with a $13 million electric bus project in Rabat, aiming for completion by 2028, while Marrakech operates a solar-powered BRT system as a cleaner alternative to diesel buses.
Governments are also implementing programs to encourage off-peak EV charging, helping to optimize power system efficiency and reduce strain on infrastructure. These measures lay the groundwork for private sector innovation and investment.
Private Sector Role in EV Development
Private companies are stepping up to complement government efforts, combining renewable energy with affordable EV technology to fill critical gaps.
In Kenya, BasiGo has made significant strides, receiving 450 orders in Nairobi and 40 in Kigali by May 2024. The company assembles e-buses using cost-effective designs from China to compete directly with diesel buses. According to co-founder Jit Bhattacharya:
"If you replace one of the 20,000 diesel buses here in the city of Nairobi with an electric bus, you would immediately mitigate 50 tonnes of CO2 per year, which is a greater marginal impact on CO2 emissions than an electric bus almost anywhere else in the world."
Local manufacturing helps reduce costs by avoiding import duties and excise taxes, making EVs more competitive with combustion engine vehicles.
In Rwanda, Ampersand has focused on the motorcycle taxi market, deploying over 2,000 electric motorcycles as of May 2024. The company’s battery-swapping technology provides immediate financial benefits to drivers. Chief Technology Officer Alp Tilev explains:
"The users that hop onto an Ampersand motorcycle, basically from day one, see that they end up with 35% more cash in their pocket."
These innovative approaches are addressing Africa’s clean mobility goals by reducing emissions and offering economic advantages. Rising fuel costs – up more than 80% in Kenya since January 2022 – further enhance the appeal of electric buses.
Solar energy companies are also making a difference. Mobisol, for instance, has installed over 85,000 solar home systems across East Africa, benefiting over 425,000 people by providing clean, affordable energy. This distributed solar network creates opportunities for community-level EV charging solutions.
Public-Private Partnerships in Infrastructure Building
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are playing a crucial role in scaling EV infrastructure by combining government support with private investment. These collaborations address the continent’s significant infrastructure needs while managing financial constraints.
Africa’s energy infrastructure requires up to $170 billion annually, while Sub-Saharan Africa’s debt ratio has nearly doubled since 2013, reaching 60% of GDP in 2022. PPPs offer a way to bridge this gap, leveraging private funds while reducing the financial burden on governments.
Regulatory frameworks for PPPs are already in place, with 87% of African countries having established guidelines, and 80% of these frameworks applicable to energy projects. This legal foundation supports large-scale renewable energy initiatives that can power EV infrastructure.
Examples of successful PPPs include Egypt’s Benban Solar Park, where Scatec Solar developed a 400 MW segment of the 1.65 GW facility. This renewable capacity is now being utilized for EV charging infrastructure through partnerships involving Hassan Allam Utilities, Infinity, Misr Petroleum, and Gastec, which are setting up charging stations across the country.
In Nigeria, distributed renewable energy projects are paving the way for local EV charging. The Toto Interconnected Mini-Grid in Nasarawa State, developed by PowerGen Renewable Energy in partnership with Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA), provides 24/7 electricity to over 2,000 households and businesses. Similarly, four solar hybrid mini-grids in Osun State, with a combined capacity of 150 kWp, were commissioned through a partnership between CESEL and Concerto under the NEP program.
Blended financing – combining public funds, concessional loans, and private investment – has been particularly effective in supporting EV infrastructure projects. This approach mitigates risks in early-stage projects while encouraging private sector participation. Notably, private investment accounts for about 70% of all renewable energy investments in Africa.
As the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA highlights:
"PPPs offer one strategy that can help governments navigate the energy transition effectively."
These partnerships are essential for building the renewable energy foundation that will enable widespread EV adoption across Africa, addressing both financial and technical challenges.
sbb-itb-99e19e3
Consumer Benefits and Challenges of Renewable-Powered EVs
African consumers are weighing both the advantages and hurdles of adopting renewable-powered electric vehicles (EVs). While the promise of long-term savings and a reduced environmental footprint is appealing, several barriers continue to slow widespread adoption across the continent.
Benefits for EV Consumers Using Renewable Energy
Renewable-powered EVs offer lower overall ownership costs, making them an attractive choice for many. For instance, studies in Ghana reveal that EVs can be up to 30% cheaper to own compared to traditional vehicles. Adding just 10% renewable energy to the grid could further cut ownership costs by 10%. In practical terms, EVs in Ghana cost 83% less per mile to charge and have maintenance expenses that are 87.5% lower than those of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
The financial advantages of EVs extend beyond individual consumers. In Nigeria, for example, the widespread adoption of EVs could generate up to $10 billion in national savings by 2040. This shift could also create jobs in areas like manufacturing and vehicle assembly. On the environmental side, renewable-powered EVs have the potential to significantly reduce emissions. Transport emissions in Africa surged by 84% over six years during the last decade, with the sector accounting for 15% of final energy consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2018. Projects like Ethiopia’s DREAM initiative show how renewable energy can drive progress. This program aims to establish 200 mini-grids, benefiting over 290,000 people, creating or improving 60,000 jobs, and cutting up to 200,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
However, despite these compelling benefits, several obstacles remain.
Barriers to Wider EV Adoption
Even with clear economic and environmental advantages, high costs and limited infrastructure continue to hinder broader adoption. The upfront cost of EVs, often inflated by import duties, makes them less competitive compared to the used ICE vehicles that dominate African markets. In fact, used vehicles accounted for a significant portion of Africa’s vehicle registrations, with the continent holding just a modest 3% share of the global automobile market in 2020.
Another major challenge is the lack of a robust charging network. Rural areas, in particular, suffer from sparse charging options, while urban areas face issues like frequent power outages. In South Africa, public charging costs range between $0.08 and $0.18 per kWh, but unreliable electricity supply can make charging unpredictable. Weak regulatory frameworks and unclear policies further deter both consumers and investors. Additionally, many potential buyers are unaware of the long-term savings and environmental benefits that EVs offer, limiting demand.
The environmental impact of renewable-powered EVs also depends heavily on the energy mix used for charging. Research in Ghana indicates that when renewable energy accounts for less than 15% of the grid, EVs may actually produce higher indirect emissions than ICE vehicles.
Pros and Cons Comparison Table
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Costs | 83% lower fueling costs and 87.5% lower maintenance expenses | Higher electricity costs during peak demand |
| Purchase Price | Government incentives can reduce costs | High upfront costs due to import duties |
| Environmental Impact | Zero tailpipe emissions improve air quality | Benefits depend on maintaining a high share of renewable energy in the grid |
| Infrastructure | Charging networks and decentralized renewable energy projects expanding | Rural areas still lack sufficient charging options |
| Economic Benefits | National savings and job creation potential | Import duties and taxes can inflate vehicle prices |
| Energy Independence | Reduced reliance on imported fossil fuels | Dependent on grid stability and renewable energy capacity |
| Technology | Fewer moving parts mean lower maintenance needs | Battery replacement costs, estimated around $5,000 locally |
While renewable-powered EVs hold immense promise for economic and environmental progress, addressing challenges like high initial costs, limited infrastructure, and policy uncertainties will be key to driving broader adoption across Africa.
How EV24.africa Supports Clean EV Adoption
EV24.africa is leveraging Africa’s progress in renewable energy and its growing electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure to encourage the adoption of clean mobility solutions. By offering more than just a marketplace, the platform is creating the necessary support systems to enable the continent’s transition to electric transportation on a larger scale.
EV24.africa’s Comprehensive EV Marketplace
EV24.africa provides a seamless experience for buyers, addressing key hurdles like financing and delivery while offering a vast selection of electric vehicles. The platform boasts over 200 EV models from more than 50 global manufacturers. Prices range from as low as $4,800 for models like the LINGBOX UNI to around $97,000, ensuring there are options for a wide array of budgets.
For instance, budget-friendly models such as the GEELY PANDA MINI BASE ($5,880), the LEAPMOTOR T03 2024 ($9,500), and the BYD QIN PLUS EV 100 Kw ($14,180) make EV ownership more attainable for many. Transparent pricing in U.S. dollars also removes confusion around import costs. Buyers can choose from a diverse range of brands, including Tesla, BYD, Geely, Leapmotor, and Hyundai.
The platform doesn’t stop at vehicle sales. It also offers solar-powered off-grid charging solutions, addressing one of Africa’s unique challenges: the lack of widespread charging infrastructure. This combination of vehicle options, pricing transparency, and charging solutions creates a more accessible path to electric mobility.
Tackling Affordability and Logistics Challenges
One of the biggest barriers to EV adoption in Africa is affordability. EV24.africa addresses this by offering financing options that reduce the burden of high upfront costs, which are often inflated by import duties and taxes.
Logistics is another significant challenge, but EV24.africa simplifies the process by managing continent-wide delivery to all 54 African countries. The platform handles customs clearance and local vehicle registration, removing bureaucratic obstacles for buyers. With operations across more than 20 African ports, EV24.africa has already delivered vehicles to ten countries.
The platform’s popularity is evident from its rapid growth. In just three months, it received over 350 qualified vehicle requests from more than 30 African nations.
"In just three months, we’ve proven that the demand for electric mobility in Africa is not only real but accelerating. Our team is building more than a marketplace – we are laying the infrastructure and services to support Africa’s electric transition at scale."
– Younes Rabeh, EV24.africa Business Manager
Advancing Africa’s Clean Mobility Goals
EV24.africa is committed to supporting Africa’s shift toward renewable energy and clean transportation. The platform caters to a broad audience, including individual drivers, ride-hailing operators, corporations, NGOs, public institutions, and automotive distributors.
To further enhance the user experience, EV24.africa offers fleet management tools like real-time monitoring, preventive maintenance, and intelligent recharge planning. These features, developed with regional partners, address the specific challenges of operating EVs in Africa. Combined with after-sales support, these services build trust and encourage sustainable mobility.
"EV24.africa is a strategic initiative that aligns with our mission to reshape mobility in Africa. Supported by Stellantis and a digital-first strategy, we are uniquely positioned to scale EV adoption across the continent and make sustainable transport a reality for all."
– Axel Peyriere, CEO and Co-Founder of AUTO24.africa and Africar Group
Conclusion: Renewable Energy as the Base for Africa’s EV Future
Africa is undergoing a transformative shift, intertwining its renewable energy growth with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). By 2023, renewable energy sources, led by hydroelectric power, already accounted for about 22% of the continent’s electricity generation, laying a solid foundation for clean and sustainable transportation solutions.
This synergy is not just about cleaner energy – it’s driving economic and policy transformations. Ethiopia, for instance, has banned the import of internal combustion engine vehicles, leveraging its hydroelectric power investments to fuel a national EV strategy. Similarly, South Africa is working toward a mixed fleet of electric and internal combustion vehicles by 2035, showcasing the role of renewable energy in facilitating large-scale mobility transitions.
Strategic partnerships are accelerating this momentum. In July 2024, Afrigreen Automobile, a Kenyan company, partnered with Chinese manufacturer Chery to establish a $20 million EV assembly plant capable of producing 5,000 to 6,000 vehicles annually. Kenya Power’s $1.9 million investment in EV charging stations over three years further highlights how utilities are stepping up to build the infrastructure needed to support EV growth.
The economic benefits of this transition are equally compelling. McKinsey predicts that by 2040, electric two-wheelers could make up 70% of total EV sales in Africa. In Kenya alone, the motorcycle taxi sector employs 1.5 million people and contributes $1.8 billion annually to the economy. This shift to renewable-powered EVs not only reduces emissions but also creates jobs and strengthens economic resilience.
Infrastructure development is a critical piece of this puzzle. Between 2016 and 2025, the African Development Bank invested $12.74 billion to connect over 28 million people to electricity and finance nearly 40,000 kilometers of distribution lines. Projects like Egypt’s Benban Solar Park (1.5 GW) and Morocco’s Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex are prime examples of large-scale renewable energy initiatives capable of supporting EV adoption while significantly reducing carbon emissions.
The path forward hinges on collaboration. In January 2025, twelve African nations presented their National Energy Compacts at the Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, outlining actionable plans to accelerate electrification. With abundant renewable resources and critical minerals for EV batteries, Africa is uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in the global energy transition.
From solar-powered charging stations to ambitious renewable energy projects, Africa is proving that practical, scalable solutions are already making an impact. The continent’s vision of tripling its renewable energy capacity is not just a goal – it’s the driving force behind a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future for all 54 nations. Through continued investment, supportive policies, and inclusive consumer access, Africa is paving the way for a brighter, greener tomorrow.
FAQs
How is Africa using renewable energy to boost electric vehicle adoption?
Africa is leveraging its rich renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind power, to drive the development of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. By using these clean energy sources to power EV charging stations, the continent is making strides toward greener and more accessible transportation options.
South Africa is taking the lead with hundreds of public EV charging stations already running on renewable energy. Meanwhile, solar initiatives in countries like Mauritania, Senegal, and Mali are boosting energy capacity, paving the way for affordable and eco-friendly EV charging solutions. These advancements are supported by both regional investments and international funding, helping to shape a cleaner and more sustainable future for transportation across Africa.
What are the biggest challenges Africa faces in adopting electric vehicles, and how are they being solved?
Africa is grappling with several hurdles when it comes to adopting electric vehicles (EVs). Some of the biggest challenges include steep upfront costs, a lack of widespread charging infrastructure, and weak policy frameworks to support the growth of EVs. These obstacles make it tough for consumers to transition to EVs and for businesses to commit to building the required infrastructure.
To tackle these issues, governments are stepping in with measures like tax breaks and subsidies to make EVs more affordable. There’s also a push to develop charging stations powered by renewable energy sources, which could help address affordability and sustainability concerns. Additionally, new policies are being introduced to spark innovation and attract investment in EV technology. While progress differs from one region to another, these efforts are paving the way for a greener and more accessible EV landscape across the continent.
How are governments and private companies working together to grow renewable-powered EV infrastructure in Africa?
Governments and private companies are stepping up to boost renewable-powered EV infrastructure across Africa. By channeling investments into charging stations and tapping into renewable energy sources like solar and wind, they’re laying the groundwork for a cleaner and more efficient transportation ecosystem.
Collaborations are at the heart of this push. Governments are teaming up with private-sector players across real estate, energy, and transportation to scale EV infrastructure. Meanwhile, businesses are funding renewable energy projects and crafting innovative ways to make electric vehicles more accessible and budget-friendly for everyday consumers. Together, these efforts are setting the stage for a greener transportation future across the continent.
