The Electricity Control Board (ECB) has confirmed approval of a regulatory framework for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, marking a step towards sustainable transportation in the country. 

The framework, which was approved by the ECB in August 2024, provides comprehensive guidelines for the installation and regulation of EV charging stations, addressing public queries about the infrastructure.

During a media briefing last week, ECB chief executive officer Robert Kahimise explained the importance of this development. 

“The public has come up with queries on the regulatory framework around EVs in Namibia. I wish to confirm that the ECB developed this framework, and it was approved by the board during its August 2024 meeting,” he said. 

He added that the framework establishes conditions for setting up charging infrastructure and includes regulatory requirements, guiding principles, and recommended standards to be adopted in Namibia.

One of the notable aspects of the framework is its focus on pricing and resale mechanisms for EV charging stations. 

This approach is designed to ensure that as EV adoption grows, there will be a structured and equitable system in place for charging services.

Looking ahead, the ECB plans to roll out an implementation plan starting in April 2025. This initiative will begin with the adoption of standards in collaboration with the Namibia Standards Institute (NSI), and will include a consumer education campaign aimed at raising public awareness about the framework. 

“The ECB will embark on a Framework Implementation Plan that starts with standards adoption with the NSI and a consumer education campaign to ensure broader public understanding of the framework and how it affects all of us,” Kahimise said. 

Details of the campaign launch and related activities will be announced soon.

This regulatory milestone aligns with Namibia’s Vision 2030, which aims to significantly increase EV adoption as part of its broader sustainability goals. By providing clear guidelines and fostering public-private partnerships, Namibia is positioning itself to address challenges such as limited charging infrastructure and consumer scepticism about EVs.

As Namibia prepares for this transition, Kahimise reiterated the ECB’s commitment to ensuring that the framework is effectively implemented. 

However, the Road Fund Administration (RFA) CEO Ali Ipinge has come out loud and clear that gradual increases in fuel-efficient vehicles on Namibian roads and the advent of electric vehicles are increasingly constraining the fund’s revenue. -mndjavera@nepc.com.na