Q&A: Could standardisation boost EV adoption?

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Africa faces significant challenges in creating standards for electric vehicles, largely due to its reliance on imports from various markets. Each of these markets have their own set of standards, says Joseph Mashele in our interview. He’s a member of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN-ECE) Working Party 29 (WP.29).

• Africa does not need to start from scratch, and the smarter approach is to adopt global EV standards as a foundation and adapt them.

• Adherence to international standards plays a crucial role in shaping local production efforts, as seen in South Africa’s export of plug-in hybrids. The need to meet these global benchmarks encourages higher quality and regulatory compliance, signaling progress in local capacity-building in Africa.

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What challenges does Africa face in developing common EV standards?

Joseph: Africa imports vehicles from diverse markets, which include Japan, the US, China, and Europe, leading to inconsistencies in vehicle types, charging ports, and voltage systems. This diversity, coupled with minimal local manufacturing, makes it difficult to harmonise standards across the continent.

Are EV policies in Africa more focused on OEMs than consumers?

Joseph: Yes, many policies seem to be geared towards encouraging OEM investment by providing enabling environments. OEMs create jobs and deploy infrastructure, which are key developmental gains. In the long run, consumers are expected to benefit through reduced vehicle and charging costs due to increased supply and competition.

What role do regulations play in preventing Africa from becoming an EV dumping ground?

Joseph: Regulations like Kenya’s 80% battery efficiency threshold help filter out poor-quality imports. This protects consumers and encourages the development of a sustainable EV ecosystem. It also signals that Africa is no longer open to being a destination for expired or subpar technology.

How should Africa approach standard development for EVs?

Joseph: Africa should adopt existing global EV standards and only layer in regional requirements when necessary. Creating entirely new and unique standards could isolate African products from global markets and complicate intra-African trade. Leveraging international frameworks while addressing African-specific needs is the most efficient and strategic path forward.

How does local EV production for export affect African markets?

Joseph: Local production, such as South Africa’s export of plug-in hybrids, is a positive sign of capacity-building. These exports must meet international standards, which drives local compliance and quality. Though most units may be destined for Europe or Asia, the associated investments in testing and infrastructure can benefit domestic markets too.

How is Africa’s power supply affecting e-mobility adoption?

Joseph: Limited and inconsistent electricity supply is a major challenge, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. It hinders the rollout of grid-connected charging infrastructure, though it opens up opportunities for off-grid solutions like solar-powered chargers, which could benefit both mobility and household energy needs.

What progress has South Africa made in e-mobility development?

Joseph: South Africa has seen significant activity in EV imports, assembly, and infrastructure development. It is one of the leading countries on the continent in adopting policies and encouraging investment. The country is also involved in testing and standards alignment for EVs, which supports further industry growth.

What new opportunities are emerging around EV battery use in Africa?

Joseph: Used EV batteries can be repurposed for powering smaller appliances, opening a secondary market. This creates entrepreneurial opportunities and supports household energy resilience. It also introduces a new domain for e-waste regulation and circular economy initiatives.

What broader policy direction is needed for Africa’s EV and energy future?

Joseph: Policies must go beyond automotive solutions and integrate energy, housing, agriculture, and climate resilience. Transport is closely tied to the economy and emissions, but the ripple effects of energy policies touch schools, health systems, and infrastructure. A multi-sectoral and future-facing approach is crucial for sustainable development.