A lack of a uniform standard for electric charging stations is limiting the importation of electric cars to Uganda. There is fear that this may affect Uganda’s energy transition ambitions.
URN has learned that several agencies and individuals are considering the importation of Electric Vehicles but they cannot because there is no standard on what type of charging stations be imported. The idea behind a standardized Electric Vehicle charging network is to ensure that it is user-friendly and reliable and that it can charge all types of electric vehicles regardless of make or type or manufacturer.
The need for a uniform charger standard and other electric vehicle policies came up as one of the concerns as players in the energy and transport sector met at a round table to discuss scalable Electric Vehicle charging systems in Uganda.
GIZ Portfolio Manager in Uganda, Dr Michael Klingler told URN that the agency which currently has over 140 vehicles in Uganda would like to shift part of its fleet to electric vehicles. But, according to Klingler, the standardization of chargers is part of the requirements for countries that are shifting from combustion engines to electric vehicles.
Roland Ferwerda, a consultant with the Hague-based-NTCS told URN that a well-planned network of charging stations with sufficient energy capacity is urgently needed in Uganda for electric cars to operate. He said that the charging Network will build trust for potential Electric Vehicles, attract new investors and create new business opportunities for those wishing to operate charging stations. NTCS is finalizing a feasibility study on setting up a viable EV charging Ecosystem in Uganda.
According to Ferwerda, Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) and the Energy ministry should make use of the locally generated electricity to establish charging infrastructure to leapfrog towards e-Mobility and sustainable transport solutions.
“There is momentum in terms of reducing emissions, and air pollution, but also the rising energy prices, there are several companies expressing willingness to invest in electric cars but they don’t know how. They don’t know which standards to apply and which regulations they need,” he said.
His observation comes just two days after Kiira Motors Corporation deployed its buses for public transport in parts of Kampala. It joins the industry after Zembo, Bodawerk, and the International University of East Africa (IUEA) boda-boda services that are already using eclectic bikes. Zembo has about 200 electric bikes and has put up 19 charging stations in parts of Kampala all over Kampala, spreading to Mpigi and Masaka.
But Ferwerda told URN that the government of Uganda needs to address other challenges including funding for e-Mobility. Apart from funding, the development of infrastructure for electric vehicles will be key.
NTCs feasibility study suggests several interventions for Uganda to increase the number of electric vehicles. Among those include tax incentives for the importation of EV parts, low charging prices, and local manufacture of electric vehicle batteries.
Kiira motors corporation has six vehicles in Uganda’s public transport industry. These include two low-emission coaches leased to Kaliita Bus Company and two electric buses along the northern bypass, and two Kiira EV cars. The Company’s Product Design Manager, Thatcher Mpanga told URN that there is a plan to have at least 50 cars on the road by end of this year.
Ministry of Energy Interventions for EVs
The Ministry of Energy experts agree with some of the suggestions saying they will be crucial for Uganda to meet its commitments toward low-carbon development to reduce emissions and negative impacts of climate change.
Uganda committed to coming up with measures to reduce carbon emissions by 22 per cent by 2030. Uganda’s ambition is to have at least 25 per cent of the vehicles electrified by 2030.
Birimumaso David, the Assistant Commissioner for Energy at the Ministry of Energy told URN that Uganda is exploring the potential of exploiting its minerals to support electric vehicles. “We want to strengthen our capability to apply research for the production of different components of the electric vehicles. More so, research for electric vehicle batteries “said Birimumaso
Birimumaso added that the Ministry is working with Kiira Motors to put in place charging infrastructure for buses. “Since Kiira Motors is already producing buses, it is a good partner. We have also worked with other small partners to put in place charging stations,” he said
The Ministry in partnership with GIZ has put up electric charging stations for electric bikes along Kampala-Masaka high as part of the effort to increase the number of electric bikes in Uganda.
It is estimated that there were 1.034 million boda-boda motorcycles in Kampala in 2018. The number was expected to be more than 3 million by 2050. So Birimumaso says with conducive policies more electric bikes can be imported to take up the share which would have been taken by motorbikes. ,
FOR MORE CLICK HERE
