EVs become revenue stream for power utilities

December 03, 2025

Dear subscriber,

The grid-lords have started cashing in on Africa’s EV transition, even though many have inadequate generation capacity and aging transmission lines. Waiting in the wings are renewable energy companies that promise to power the vehicle transition faster and cheaper.

Brian Ambani – Editor

The quantity of electricity sold to electric vehicle charging companies quadrupled in just one year in Kenya, one of the fastest growing revenue sources for the national utility Kenya Power.  A new report from the utility shows it sold 4.88 GWh to EV charging firms in its financial year ending June 2025, four times the 1.24 GWh it sold in the previous year. 

  • Kenya Power added 40 EV charging companies to the grid during the year, generating $276,300 in revenue. With the current growth rate, the utility should soon be getting millions of dollars in revenues annually from EVs.

  • Many EV companies enjoy a subsidised power — to a maximum of 15,000 kWh in Kenya. The limit is likely to be removed soon, further boosting the transiton. 

  • Our take: EVs can be a high-growth revenue source but affordability will be key… Read more (2 min)

The Fiat E-Ulysse, an electric minivan designed for passenger transport or commercial use, has been introduced in Egypt for the first time. The van was launched by Dynamics Auto, Fiat’s distributor in the North African country, and is priced at EGP 2.79 million ($58,600). With three rows of seats, the van carries eight passengers and has spacious storage. 

  • Electric minivans like the Fiat E-Ulysse are becoming popular, and hope to mirror the success of popular fuel minivans like the Toyota Noah and Voxy. They can be used to carry both passengers and goods, attractive for large families.  

  • Most of the electric minivan and van adoption is concentrated in South Africa, where they are mostly fleet- or business-oriented vehicles for cargo, delivery or taxi. Outside of South Africa, electric-van penetration remains very limited. 

  • Our take: Commercial customers like tourism and taxi companies will likely be the main buyers of electric minivans… Read more (2 min)

ZED Motors has launched its first automated battery-swapping station in Benin. The design is capable of charging up to 12 batteries at once while supporting packs for both of its models. The firm says it plans to partner with petrol stations to roll out a nationwide network of swapping cabinets and charging infrastructure, enabling faster nationwide expansion.

  • Automating battery swapping removes the need for an on-site attendant, the firm says, cutting labour costs while improving uptime. It also makes each station easier to replicate and operate consistently across multiple locations.

  • ZED Motors is scaling charging infrastructure as it grows a fleet. Partnering with petrol stations is a smart shortcut to secure prime sites, reliable foot traffic, and faster rollout without building everything from scratch.

  • Our take: Electric mobility in Benin is still limited to the number of people who can access formal credit … Read more (2 min)

MAX’s Vice President of Operations Gbolahan Fadipe (centre) shares his opinions at the Africa Startup Event (Source: MAX)

Jobs

🔋 Apply for Battery Maintenance Technician’s role at Ampersand (Kenya)

👷‍♀️ Become a Fleet Officer at MAX (Nigeria)

👨🏻‍💼 Join Dodai as a Senior Accountant (Ethiopia)

Events

📅 Attend Lagos Transport Fest (Dec 9)

📅 Learn how you can unlock financing for your green project (Dec 10)

📅 Plan ahead for Africa Green Economy Summit (Feb 25, 2026) 

Various 

🏍️ Spiro expands its outlets in Togo

📝Read about Agora’s new report, "Towards Electric Mobility in East Africa"

🚍 EBus Xpress expands to a fourth route in Uganda

Seen on LinkedIn 

Bent Vistisen, an e-mobility specialist, says, “All charging operators can connect to existing open solutions, or develop themselves - all that is required is that the solution meets simple requirements for visible price before charging starts, activation and payment without app and without subscription, direct mobile/credit card payment, and final payment is completed when charging is completed.”