How to space EV charging stations?

From the newsletter

Rwanda is developing a nationwide EV charging master plan to support its growing EV sector. The plan aims to have charging stations placed at most 50 km apart nationwide. The locations will be based on population density and traffic patterns and will utilise existing infrastructure like petrol stations and commercial buildings.

• Rwanda's charging infrastructure is underdeveloped. It currently has 24 public charging stations, four direct current chargers for motorcycles, and 49 stations combining chargers and battery-swapping facilities.

• A preliminary analysis has identified over 226 potential sites for EV charging infrastructure as the government plans to roll out its EV charging master plan.

More details

• A few African countries are setting the guidelines for setting up charging infrastructure. Uganda plans EV charging stations after every 50 kilometres, starting with 150-kilometre spacing on major roads, as outlined in its National E-Mobility Strategy. Kenya aims for a denser network with stations within a 3 km x 3 km grid and installations every 25 kilometres along highways. South Africa plans for 150-kilometre intervals on major highways.

• Determining the ideal distance between EV charging stations is a complex issue with no easy answer. It's not a one-time decision, as the optimal spacing will evolve with changing demand and road network expansion. Several factors beyond simple distance require careful consideration.

• EV ownership is likely to be more concentrated in urban areas. Higher population density in cities necessitates a denser network of charging stations to meet demand. However, this presents challenges. Many urban areas lack sufficient grid capacity to support mass EV charging, especially fast charging, which requires significant power. Simultaneous charging of multiple vehicles could overload the grid unless grid upgrades are done, which is even more costly.

• Space is a major constraint in urban areas. Setting up charging stations in cities is heavily influenced by space availability. Existing petrol stations could be repurposed, but many lack the space to accommodate multiple vehicles charging simultaneously. Battery swapping stations could be a more viable option in such locations.

• Charging an EV takes longer than refuelling a fuel vehicle. While fast chargers can reduce charging time, it still takes considerably longer than filling a fuel tank. Therefore, locating charging stations near amenities like restrooms and restaurants is crucial to enhancing the driver experience. This "dwell time" becomes a key factor in station placement, favouring locations where drivers can comfortably spend time while their vehicle charges.

• Policies promoting EV charging infrastructure are shaping the landscape. Many countries are developing regulations that mandate charging stations in residential buildings, apartments, and office complexes. Kenya's National Building Code 2024, for instance, requires commercial buildings and multi-dwelling units to allocate at least 5% of their parking spaces for EV charging. Such policies contribute to a more evenly distributed charging network. Interestingly, countries like Morocco and Egypt are manufacturing their own EV charging solutions, which will likely reduce demand for public charging stations.

• Technological advancements also play a role. As EV battery technology improves and ranges increase, the need for frequent charging diminishes, allowing for greater distances between stations, especially along highways. However, the network must be placed at distances that accommodate even the vehicles with the shortest battery range.

• Many African countries rely on imported EVs, which can lead to a variety of charging standards. Ensuring compatibility with different standards is important to avoid stranding drivers. Lack of standardisation may demand for a denser network to serve all EV models. Promoting interoperability through standardised payment methods and cross-network access will also enhance convenience and encourage EV adoption.

Our take

• Several factors influence this decision of where to place EV charging stations. Technology is rapidly evolving, with faster chargers now taking just 25 minutes to fully charge a vehicle and battery ranges increasing to over 400 km. This means charging stations can be spaced further apart, except in areas with high charging demand.

• Home charging will play a crucial role in reducing the demand for public EV charging infrastructure. Policies are being developed to support this, and the manufacturing of home chargers is taking shape. Consumers are more likely to charge at home and use public stations only for top-ups, reducing overall demand.

• Interoperability is another key consideration. Standardisation of charging connectors is crucial to avoid stranding drivers. Countries should establish accepted standards and encourage the development of adapters that can be used across different charging points.