The advent of electronic vehicles in Zimbabwe has sparked the emergence of services around making the owning of EV vehicles and travelling enjoyable.
With the EV market in the country, still in its infancy, it is recommended to spread awareness regarding where and how to keep the EVs powered for your travel convenience.
Upon purchasing of an EV, the owner must be knowledgeable about the ways and places where
to charge EV batteries in Zimbabwe. Keep in mind and know the following:
Level 1 (120V) charging: This is the slowest way to charge your EV battery, but it is also the most common. You can use a standard household outlet to charge your EV battery at Level 1. It can take up to 12 hours to fully charge your EV battery at Level 1.
Level 2 (240V) charging: This is a faster way to charge your EV battery than Level 1 charging. You can use a Level 2 charger that is installed in your home or at a public charging station. It can take about 4 hours to fully charge your EV battery at Level 2.
DC fast charging (480V): This is the fastest way to charge your EV battery. You can use a DC fast charger that is installed at a public charging station. It can take about
30 minutes to fully charge your EV battery at DC fast charging.
Some of the companies where you to find EV charging stations in Zimbabwe include Zuva Petroleum, Distributed Power Africa (DPA), Electric Vehicle Centre Africa, Vaya Zimbabwe and BYD Zimbabwe.
The government of Zimbabwe is also working to develop a network of EV charging stations across the country. The government is targeting to have at least 100 EV charging stations installed by the end of 2023.
Here are some tips for charging your EV battery in Zimbabwe: Plan your route: Before you go on a long drive, plan your route and make sure there are charging stations along the way.
Check the battery level: Make sure to check the battery level of your EV before you start driving. If the battery is low, you may need to find a charging station.
Use public charging stations: If you are going to be driving in an area where there are no charging stations, you can use public charging stations.
Be patient: Charging an EV battery takes longer than filling up a gas tank. Be patient and allow enough time to charge your battery.
Here are some places where you can charge your EV batteries in Zimbabwe:
Public charging stations: There are a number of public charging stations in Zimbabwe. These stations are typically located in cities and towns. You can find a list of public charging stations in Zimbabwe on the website of the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA).
Hotels and restaurants: Some hotels and restaurants in Zimbabwe have EV charging stations. You can find a list of hotels and restaurants with EV charging stations on the website of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).
At work: If your employer has a charging station at work, you can use that to charge your EV battery. This is a convenient option if you drive to work every day.
Your home: If you have a garage or driveway, you can install a Level 2 charger at your home. This will give you the convenience of charging your EV at home.
It is important to note that the availability of charging stations in Zimbabwe is limited. However, the government is working to increase the number of charging stations in the country.
If you are planning on driving an EV in Zimbabwe, it is important to do your research and find out where the charging stations are located. You can also contact the EV companies mentioned above to get more information about their charging stations.
Text by Martin Chemhere