A great stride toward addressing the carbon emissions that in turn lead to an increase in climate change consequences is embracing electric vehicles that don’t rely on fossil fuels for operation hence decarbonization since the sector alone accounts for 13% of total emissions projected to rise.
The move by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to open a license application for Kenyans seeking to put up electric vehicle (EV) charging and battery swapping stations is a milestone in the adoption of EVs.
This is a merit adding to the push by the government in the e-mobility agenda thus following the unveiling of the EV Charging and Battery Swapping Infrastructure Guidelines, 2023, the citizens are welcome and urged to embrace EVs more.
A statement by EPRA welcomed anyone interested in installing a public or private charging station or a battery swapping station at a place of their choice to apply for a license from EPRA with all charging equipment expected to be those certified by the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria said that guidelines like enabling the installation of these charging spots are essential in advancing the government’s e-mobility agenda and will further instill confidence as it contributes to positive investments in e-mobility.
“Overall, they ensure that charging infrastructure is accessible to all including persons with disability, are affordable, that they are placed along major highways for long-distance travelers, and that there are guidelines for home charging ports among others,” said Mr. Kiptoo.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir revealed this innovation as one that steers Kenya to a step closer to energy efficiency where more power is consumed at off-peak times.
“Going by July 2023 data, the country has an available capacity of 2,254 megawatts against a peak demand of 2,164 megawatts and a demand of about 1,230 megawatts during off-peak hours,” the CS stated.
This is in relation to the fact that electric mobility has the potential to increase how efficiently Kenyans consume electricity, ensuring that idle capacity is utilized during the off-peak period.
“We have noted that about 70 percent of charging by most electric buses and motorbikes is done during the off-peak period,” Chirchir said.
