Ethiopia Inaugurates 11 EV Fast-Charging Stations Across Six Cities

Addis Ababa, October 31, 2026 (ENA) — The Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) inaugurated 11 electric vehicle fast-charging stations today across six cities. The facilities are capable of charging 96 vehicles simultaneously, marking a significant step in the country's efforts to expand electric mobility infrastructure.

The stations have been established in Addis Ababa, Bishoftu, Mojo, Adama, Batu, and Hawassa. Five of these are located in Addis Ababa, as part of a broader initiative to improve access to electric vehicle charging services nationwide.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the utility’s CEO, Getu Geremew, said that opening 11 charging stations in a single day marked a significant milestone for the institution.

One of the newly inaugurated facilities, located along what is commonly known as Hachalu Road in Addis Ababa, was constructed in collaboration with the city administration and can charge nearly 12 vehicles at a time.

Getu noted that the center would help meet the growing demand for charging services in the area, with potential for further capacity expansion.

He added that the utility is working to expand charging infrastructure extensively across Addis Ababa and its surroundings, announcing plans to increase the number of charging stations fivefold over the next year.

Beyond the capital, the utility is also planning to extend charging services to more regional cities, including Dire Dawa, Mekelle, Bahir Dar, Gondar, Jijiga, Jimma, and Arba Minch, among others.

The expansion is expected to improve the availability of charging services as the adoption of electric vehicles increases across the country.

Getu further noted that the utility has developed the capacity to accommodate up to 150 electric vehicles for charging at a time, adding that expanding the infrastructure would encourage clean energy use, reduce air pollution, and lessen dependence on conventional fuel.

He stated that encouraging electric vehicles and expanding charging infrastructure are among the efforts the institution is undertaking to promote the use of clean energy.

Bishoftu City Mayor Alemayehu Assefa, for his part, said the newly established charging facilities in his city would support tourism and green development activities by making it easier for electric vehicle users to access charging services.

Located 47 kilometers from Addis Ababa, Bishoftu is a tourism and economic center known for its lakes and natural resources.

Alemayehu said improved charging access would make travel and stays more convenient for visitors.

He added that electric vehicles offer an important alternative for easing fuel demand and reducing air pollution, assuring that the city administration would cooperate in preparing sites and facilitating the establishment and operation of additional charging stations in Bishoftu and its surroundings.

Ethiopia's expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure is part of its broader transition toward electric mobility, aimed at reducing dependence on imported petroleum and making greater use of the country's renewable energy resources.

In January 2024, the government prohibited the importation of gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles as part of efforts to accelerate electric mobility and reduce fuel imports.

Ethiopia subsequently developed its National E-Mobility Strategy and Implementation Plan (2025–2030), which sets out measures to expand charging infrastructure, promote electric public transport, encourage local vehicle production, and strengthen the domestic electric mobility industry.

The strategy envisages establishing more than 2,200 charging centers across Addis Ababa and regional areas by 2030, reflecting the importance of accessible charging facilities in supporting the country's transition to electric transport.