Charging, high cost hinder electric vehicle adoption

Experts in the electric mobility sector are urging the removal of obstacles hindering the adoption of this new technology.

They have identified several hurdles limiting the uptake of electric vehicles in the country, including a lack of charging stations, a lack of battery swapping stations, insufficient incentives and the high cost of electric vehicles. These were cited as key roadblocks to adoption.

Other challenges include a lack of awareness among consumers regarding the need to transition to electric vehicles.

“When we speak to consumers today, they express range anxiety. They ask, ‘I have a vehicle; where can I find a charging point?’ Consequently, the adoption of EVs becomes limited,” said Hezbon Mose, president of the E-mobility Association of Kenya.

Mose was among the speakers at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre on Monday during Kenya Power’s third E-Mobility Stakeholders Conference and Expo.

He emphasised the need for a reliable electricity supply and appropriate tariffs.

“When addressing electricity issues, the application of transformers is crucial. We are moving away from solely relying on existing transformers. Given our high capacity needs, we will now be purchasing our own transformers for our charging stations,” he explained.

Epra has introduced a special electricity tariff of Sh16 per unit (kWh) for electric vehicles during peak hours and Sh8 per unit during off-peak hours.

“The entire process, from purchasing the transformer to its implementation, obtaining an e-meter and resolving issues within the charging station, is something we need to discuss and explore how to streamline. This will significantly aid the growth of EVs in the country.”

Mose highlighted the necessity of a comprehensive mobility policy, noting that the sector has to lobby Parliament annually for its agenda during each Finance Bill.

He projected that electric two-wheelers (motorcycles) could surpass 60,000 units by 2030, with cumulative figures exceeding 200,000 with strong incentives.

“Three-wheelers (tuk-tuks) could also reach over 280 annual sales, totalling more than 1,865 units by 2030.”

Warren Ondanje of the Africa E-Mobility Alliance said between $6 and $7 billion were spent annually on importing fossil fuels.

Experts agree that fossil fuels are a major contributor to global warming.

Kenya has committed to a 35 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2030.

Ondanje stressed the need for necessary regulations and safeguards to fully leverage e-mobility.

Close to $500 million has been allocated to climate finance, with a significant portion directed towards addressing pollution from the transport sector, he said. 

During the event, vehicles converted to electric power were showcased, including a 1990 Mercedes W124 capable of travelling up to 498km on a full charge and a 1979 VW Kombi with a range of up to 160 km.

Energy PS Alex Wachira affirmed the government’s commitment to the adoption of e-mobility as a cornerstone of sustainable development.

Statistics indicate that the transport sector accounts for approximately 23 per cent of global carbon emissions.

Kenya Power managing director, Joseph Siror, stated their commitment towards transitioning to electric mobility to catalyse the reduction of carbon emissions.

“Part of our plan is to create an enabling environment for players within the e-mobility ecosystem through the provision of adequate power supply and the requisite infrastructure, such as charging stations, that will enable motorists to travel with ease.”

The company will install 45 EV chargers across six counties – Nairobi, Nyeri, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Mombasa and Taita Taveta – within the next year.

Six of the chargers will be situated at strategic locations within the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

So far, three EV chargers have been put up, all within Nairobi.

There are 9,047 EVs registered in the country, compared to 2,694 and 5,294 registered in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

Siror also announced their collaboration with the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute to establish local EV battery assembly plants, aiming to make e-mobility more affordable and accessible.

“This move will cut costs, create jobs and support Kenya’s goal of becoming a regional hub for e-mobility innovation – fully aligned with the government’s industrialisation agenda.”