Nigeria leads in affordable EV charging

May 14, 2025

From the newsletter

Nigeria has the lowest fast charging prices among the top electric vehicle countries in Africa, according to an analysis by Mobility Rising that surveyed Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. Prices in Nigeria are 23% cheaper than South Africa and 18% cheaper than Kenya. Similarly, the cost of swapping batteries is also lowest in the West African country. 

  • Aggressive market entry strategies by Nigerian companies, supported by the government through the North East Development Commission (NEDC), have helped drive down prices to accelerate electric vehicle uptake nationwide. 

  • Charging costs play a crucial role in EV adoption, as they directly affect total ownership costs and competitiveness with petrol vehicles. Affordable, accessible charging also eases range anxiety and encourages commercial fleet transitions.

More details

  • Nigeria stands out for its affordability across both DC charging and battery swapping. DC charging averages just $0.33 per kWh, cheaper than both Kenya and South Africa. Battery swapping is significantly lower as well, ranging from $0.94 to $1.56, making Nigeria the most cost-effective market for EV operations.

  • South Africa offers the lowest AC charging rates, but its DC prices are the highest among the three countries. AC charging ranges from $0.32 to $0.33 per kWh, slightly undercutting Kenya’s $0.40. However, DC charging averages $0.42, rising to a peak of $0.45, which could discourage fast charging in a market already struggling with grid reliability. The higher DC prices may reflect a more premium charging infrastructure and a fragmented operator landscape.

  • Rubicon is South Africa’s most expensive charge point operator (CPO), while Maxio and GridCars offer more moderate rates. Maxio and GridCars charge $0.32 for AC and $0.40 for DC, closely matching the national averages which have not changed in the last two months. These consistent prices provide better predictability for EV owners, especially those using regular commuting or logistics routes. In contrast, Rubicon’s premium pricing could restrict access to wealthier users or commercial fleet operators only.

  • Kenya remains the most expensive market for EV charging among the three countries analysed. Both AC and DC charging are priced at $0.40 per kWh, offering no price advantage for slower charging options. Battery swapping costs in Kenya are also relatively high, ranging from $1.97 to $2.24, which may impact affordability for two- and three-wheeler operators who rely on quick turnaround times. 

  • In May, EV owners in Kenya will pay 18% more for DC charging than in April. Battery swapping in Kenya is nearly twice as expensive as in Nigeria, raising questions about long-term scalability. While Kenya has embraced battery swapping for electric motorcycles, the cost gap, $2.24 versus Nigeria’s $1.56 maximum, may strain pay-as-you-go riders. Without subsidies or pricing reform, this model could lose appeal despite its convenience. Nigeria’s lower swap rates suggest stronger operational efficiency or more favourable input costs in its charging ecosystem.

  • Kenya’s uniform pricing for AC and DC suggests an underdeveloped pricing strategy and infrastructure differentiation. Typically, DC (fast) charging should carry a premium, but in Kenya, both are priced equally at $0.40. This could be due to limited DC availability or bundled pricing models that don’t reflect true cost or speed differences. As demand for rapid charging grows, especially in Nairobi, a more nuanced pricing model may be necessary to manage infrastructure use effectively.

Our take

  • Instead of relying solely on tariff reductions, governments should promote a competitive EV charging market supported by private investment. This includes enforcing interoperability standards across networks and ensuring grid readiness to support fast-growing EV demand.

  • As seen in South Africa, where AC and DC pricing remains consistent, stable charging rates are key to building user trust. Integrating smart grid systems can help manage demand, optimise energy distribution, and keep pricing predictable for both commercial operators and everyday drivers.

  • Governments can make EV charging more cost-friendly by setting dedicated electricity tariffs for EVs, integrating renewable energy sources into charging networks, and offering incentives for deploying wide-reaching and efficient infrastructure as in the case of Rwanda.