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When the humble petrol station becomes an EV charging hub

June 02, 2025

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Vivo Energy Maroc, which markets and distributes Shell-branded fuels and lubricants in Morocco, has unveiled a new modern fuel station that includes DC fast chargers for EVs. It is the latest example of how top oil dealers are investing in EV charging in key markets in Africa. Besides Shell, TotalEnergies and BP have also set up various charging points.

  • Petrol stations chains are investing in EV charging stations in the recognition that fuel vehicles, which are their core business, will eventually face strong competition from EVs.  

  • In Africa, oil companies will play a key role in making EV charging widely available. They have more capital than most EV charging startups as well as the required real estate. 

  • Our take: By investing early in Africa’s EV charging infrastructure, oil companies could secure a significant market share in the future energy landscape… Read more (2 min)

Egypt’s first locally-made electric car will cost an estimated $20,000, leading critics to voice concern that its quality does not measure up to the price. Especially unfavourable comparisons are drawn with similarly-priced electric cars from China. The Nasr E70 is made in Egypt by El Nasr Automotive Manufacturing Company, a state-owned manufacturer.  

  • Should El Nasr cut prices, the project would be economically unviable. This dilemma highlights the tough balancing act that African countries are facing as they try to promote their automotive manufacturing industries. 

  • It could lead to Egypt further restrict electric car imports to cushion its local industry. The North African country has already limited individuals to importing just one car every five years. 

  • Our take: Allowing cheap EV imports could benefit Egypt more in the long term by reducing the cost of transportation and lowering its oil import bill… Read more (2 min)

Three Chinese companies have signed agreements with partners from Rwanda, Kenya and Nigeria totalling $230 million. The partnership will focus on the assembly of motorcycles and cars, as well as the manufacture of spare parts. The agreements were signed during the 7th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade, held in Chongqing.

  • While the specific partners were not disclosed, Mobility Rising anticipates that the investment will also involve electric motorcycle assembly. This is largely due to the African EV ecosystem's strong reliance on Chinese technology, which has been widely adopted by electric mobility companies across the region.

  • In East Africa, the local electric vehicle supply chain remains in its early stages, and electric motorcycle assembly is still limited. This development is expected to significantly improve access to spare parts, which the market currently sources predominantly from China.

  • Our take: The price of electric motorcycles in East Africa is expected to drop due to local assembly… Read more (2 min)

A cyclist riding an eBee electric bicycle maneuvers through the streets of Nairobi

Events

🗓️ Register for EV Summit happening in South Africa (July 17)

🗓️ Book your spot at Mobility Live Show and Conference in South Africa (Oct 15)

🗓️ Attend Africa EV Mobility Expo happening in Kenya (Dec 4)

Jobs

💼 Apply for the Vice President of Product Development role at Kofa (Kenya)

👨🏻‍💼 Become the Director of Growth and Partnerships at Kofa (Kenya)

👩🏻‍💼 Lead SAP at Spiro (Kenya)

Various 

⛩️ China redirects EV strategy toward Africa as Western tariffs rise

🚗 Teksi Ride to add electric vehicle service in South Africa

📱Bolt to integrate electric tricycles in Nigeria

Seen on LinkedIn 

Joseph Mashele, Member of the Africa Organisation for Standardisation, says, “Technology is rapidly transforming mobility, offering new perspectives on transportation through innovations like autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, and shared mobility services. These changes are being driven by trends like the rise of AI, IoT, and big data, leading to more efficient, sustainable, and inclusive transportation systems.”