
Ethiopia is taking bold steps toward a greener future with its announcement to expand the country’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
The government plans to set up charging stations every 50 to 120 kilometers nationwide, ensuring that EV owners have access to reliable and convenient charging options.
This initiative was announced by Bahru Oljra, the Executive Director of Energy Sector Control at the Ethiopian Petroleum and Energy Authority, during an interview with the state-run Fana Broadcasting Corporation.
Currently, Ethiopia has over 100,000 electric vehicles on its roads, but the government is aiming to increase this figure to 500,000 within the next decade.
This ambitious plan aligns with the broader strategy to replace 95 percent of fuel-powered vehicles with electric ones.
The push for electric mobility is a response to surging global fuel prices and Ethiopia’s commitment to cleaner energy sources.
To accelerate this transition, the Ethiopian government banned the importation of gasoline and diesel vehicles last year, showcasing its determination to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
To support this shift, the government has approved a new directive that outlines critical regulations for establishing EV charging stations.
These regulations cover licensing requirements, service tariffs, power supply standards, and security measures.
Currently, most EV owners in Ethiopia rely on home charging or private stations, which limits long-distance travel and raises concerns about range anxiety.
Expanding the EV charging network is essential for addressing these challenges and encouraging greater adoption of electric vehicles.
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