Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) is spearheading efforts to develop a comprehensive master plan for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
This initiative focuses on expanding the infrastructure nationwide, ensuring that no EV travels more than 50 kilometres without access to a charging station. The master plan aims to guide investors, optimise the location of charging stations, and prevent the establishment of idle or obsolete facilities, marking a pivotal step in the country’s commitment to e-mobility.
A preliminary geospatial analysis identified over 226 potential sites for EV charging infrastructure, prioritising areas with high population density and traffic. The plan also seeks to leverage existing petrol stations and commercial buildings to integrate EV charging facilities efficiently. Currently, Rwanda has 24 public charging stations, 4 direct chargers for motorcycles, and 49 stations combining chargers and battery-swapping facilities. By strategically deploying this infrastructure, Rwanda is optimising its e-mobility ecosystem, regarded as the backbone of the transition to cleaner transport.
Also read: Africa’s e-mobility future: the rise of electric motorbikes and bicycles
E-Mobility Driving Cost Efficiency in Agriculture
The adoption of e-mobility is extending its benefits to rural areas, notably in sectors like agriculture. In Nyamagabe District, the use of electric vehicles has made transporting animal feed and harvests more cost-effective. Farmers are benefiting from reduced transport costs, leading to a drop in feed prices by Rwf100 to Rwf200 per kilo. Renewable energy powers these electric vehicles, providing an environmentally friendly and efficient alternative to traditional fuel-based transport.
Businesspeople, like Vestine Mukanziza, have also highlighted the transformative impact of electric vehicles, citing reduced costs and increased efficiency in accessing markets. This aligns with Rwanda’s broader e-mobility goals, supported by the extension of import tax exemptions for EVs and a gradual rise in EV and hybrid car imports. As of 2024, the number of electric vehicles in Rwanda increased from 19 in 2020 to 512, while hybrid cars rose to 6,660, underscoring the nation’s steady transition towards sustainable transportation.
