EV battery maker unveils ultra-fast charger

December 04, 2025

Dear subscriber,

Commercial customers are the main EV buyers in Africa, with cost savings their biggest pull. But rising power prices have been slashing the savings. Countries that prioritise cheap and reliable power access will lead the leap into EVs.

Brian Ambani – Editor

EV battery maker unveils ultra-fast charger

Freedom Won, one of Africa’s largest battery assemblers, has unveiled a 240 kW fast EV charger in South Africa. Unlike charging-only stations, the company’s solution integrates battery storage, enabling charging providers to utilise both the grid and solar. The charging station can draw power directly from solar or from the battery when solar output is low.  

  • Many EV chargers in Africa are imported, mainly from China and India. But local production is rising, mostly in South Africa via companies like GridCars and Microcare. Algeria is a producer too, while Ethiopia has begun a pilot project.   

  • The integration of battery storage with solar input buffers users against power outages and is a blueprint that can scale quickly across the continent. 

  • Our take: The future of EV public charging will combine grid power supply and solar as electricity cost pressures mount… Read more (2 min)

Driving an electric car in Ethiopia will cost you just 1.5% of the cost of a fuel car, according to a new report by German think tank Agora. It makes Ethiopia the best place to own an EV in East Africa. An analysis by the think tank shows it costs $7.7 to drive 100 km in a petrol car in Ethiopia but just $0.12 in an electric car, by far the cheapest in the region. 

  • Agora analysed prices in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with an assumed energy consumption per 100 km of 9 liters /15.5 kWh. It found charging an EV is much cheaper than filling up a fuel car in all five countries.

  • At just 1.1 US cents per unit, Ethiopia has some of the lowest power prices in the world. It makes EV ownership in the country cheaper than almost anywhere else in Africa. 

  • Our take: Lower taxation would help lower prices even further… Read more (2 min)

Mobility Rising has tracked 28 advertised jobs across Africa this week. Chery South Africa leads with the highest activity, posting eight open roles. This hiring momentum comes shortly after the company introduced its new Omoda and Jaecoo hybrid SUVs into the regional market. Chery is planning to launch the three Lepas PHEV models within Q1 of next year.

  • East Africa had 13 roles across Kenya and Ethiopia, driven by Ampersand, M-Kopa, Zeno and Dodai, while West Africa records 2 roles at MAX in Nigeria. 

  • Companies are this week seeking talent in marketing, customer experience, logistics and fleet operations. There is also consistent demand for technical and operations-focused roles that support EV deployment and service efficiency.

  • Click here to see the full list… (2 min)

Roam’s management team gives a tour to Shell Foundation and UK delegation at its premises (Source: Roam)

Events

📅 Attend Lagos Transport Fest (Dec 9)

📅 Showcase your tech at EMAK’s Open Day (Dec 5)

📅 Book a slot at the EVs Electrify Egypt (Dec 12)

Various 

🛵 Uber eyeing electric bike rides in South Africa

🚘 BYD Dolphin Surf arrives in Zambia

⚡ Africa is facing automotive ‘iPhone moment’ as EV revolution accelerates

Seen on LinkedIn 

Sally Njogu, Marketing Director at Valorem Consulting Ltd, says, “Even with progress in charging hubs, solar integration, and policy alignment, adoption still hinges on how well we communicate value to everyday people — boda riders, matatu owners, saccos, women, and youth.”