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Last Updated: 16th February 2025, 02:07 am
Ethiopia Unveils State-of-the-Art EV Charging Hub
The electric vehicle (EV) charging landscape in Ethiopia received a significant upgrade with the inauguration of a cutting-edge charging station along the Bole to Megenagna road in Addis Ababa. Crafted by Ethio Telecom, a prominent telecommunications company boasting over 81 million subscribers (including more than 78 million mobile users), this facility is pivotal for Ethiopian drivers embracing electric mobility.
Power and Capacity: A Standout Feature
This remarkable hub is capable of powering up to 32 electric vehicles at once, equipped with eight ultra-fast chargers rated at an impressive 600 kW each. These technological advancements are designed to cater to the increasing needs for efficient and rapid EV charging solutions in Ethiopia.
A Leap Into Smart Charging Technology
- AI-Enhanced Charging: Each charger utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) technology that tailors power delivery according to individual battery statuses and user behaviors, yielding improved speed and energy efficiency.
- Diverse Charger Capabilities:
- Ultra-Fast Chargers: Eight units offering up to 600 kW can recharge compatible vehicles in just about fifteen minutes.
- Super-Fast Chargers: Twelve units delivering rapid sessions at up to 500 kW enhance accessibility for quick turnarounds.
- Smart Pole Chargers:: Integrated within smart city frameworks as Level II chargers, these offer strategic emergency charging solutions across vital routes.
A Seamless Digital Experience Through Telebirr
The entire operation is enhanced by Ethio Telecom’s telebirr SuperApp that provides easy payment options. Customers can engage with the station round-the-clock while conducting transactions swiftly using telebirr without cash hassles. Moreover, live monitoring capabilities facilitate real-time connectivity via robust fibre optics or mobile networks like 4G and upcoming 5G systems.
Catalyzing Change in Electric Mobility
This initiative marks an essential step forward for Ethiopia’s ambition for sustainable transportation solutions. In an unprecedented move last year, Ethiopia banned imports of internal combustion engine vehicles—a decision ahead of many other nations targeting similar bans by later dates including Norway’s pending legislation set for implementation in mid-2025.
The Push Toward Energy Independence
Ethiopia’s decisions stem from overwhelming fossil fuel import costs surpassing US$5 billion annually—an unsustainable burden on its foreign currency reserves—and fueled by recent advancements like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). This monumental construction will augment local renewable energy production significantly with nearly ~15,500 GWh anticipated yearly output once fully operational.
This clean-energy boost will potentially reduce reliance on costly imported fuels significantly.
A Growing Fleet of Electric Vehicles
As restrictions took effect against traditional gasoline-powered cars, thousands of new electric vehicles entered Ethiopian roads largely through independent dealers sourcing models internationally—from notable manufacturers like Toyota’s bZ4x EV range and various offerings from Mercedes-Benz—and official entities such as BYD recently joining efforts.
Despite challenges surrounding adequate public infrastructure dedicated towards roaming support where necessary technicians focus specifically on maintenance services associated exclusively with EVs; Ethio Telecom has risen accordingly responding directly following growing consumer demands catalyzed amidst these transformative legislative changes introduced country-wide.