< Go Back

Charging Infrastructure 101 for Local Governments

Charging Infrastructure 101 for Local Governments

The development of charging infrastructure is a crucial consideration for local governments across Africa aiming to expand the uptake of NEVs and drive sustainable transport in their area.

For municipal leaders, understanding how charging works at an operational and basic technical level is key to enabling a smooth and equitable rollout.

This article outlines the core elements of EV charging infrastructure – covering charger types, connector standards, siting strategies, grid integration, and financing – so local authorities can make informed decisions.

Charging Types: AC vs DC

In addition to so-called ‘granny’ chargers – low-speed, portable cables that plug into a standard household outlet – EV chargers fall into two main categories:

AC (Alternating Current) chargers, ranging from 3.7 kW to 22 kW, are suitable for residential, workplace, and long-dwell public parking. A typical 7 kW charger adds around 30 km of range per hour. These can be installed on single or three-phase power supplies.

DC (Direct Current) fast chargers deliver higher power – typically 50 kW to 350 kW – recharging most EVs to 80% in 20–45 minutes. These are suited to highway service stations, depots, and high-turnover commercial areas.

Municipal authorities should aim to create a layered charging network that balances speed, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness.

The optimal mix of AC and DC chargers will vary by city and should be shaped by local conditions, including the proportion of users with home or workplace access, trip lengths and vehicle types, electricity pricing, time-of-use tariffs, grid reliability, and projected NEV adoption.

Connector Types: Standardisation and Compatibility

Local governments should be aware of the main connector types:

Type 2 (AC) is the European standard and widely supported.
CCS (Combined Charging System) dominates DC charging in most new European and Asian EVs.
CHAdeMO (Japanese) and GB/T (Chinese) remain relevant, particularly given Africa’s vehicle import mix.
NACS, developed by Tesla in the US, is gaining traction in North America but is unlikely to be adopted widely in Africa.

Multi-standard chargers offer flexibility as the regional EV market diversifies. Many African countries rely heavily on second-hand imports, especially from Japan. Meanwhile, Chinese automakers like BYD are driving down the cost of new EVs, potentially making them viable in African markets. CCS and GB/T are likely to emerge as the dominant charging standards.

In addition to this, interoperability of charging systems is also important. This ensures that different charging systems and software can work together, reducing costs and avoiding vendor lock-in. Open standards like OCPP support flexible, scalable infrastructure that benefits both operators and EV users.

Charging Locations: Aligned with Urban and Transport Planning

Where charging happens is just as important as how it works. Charging typically occurs in:

Homes or residential compounds (where feasible)
Workplaces and retail/commercial zones
Public spaces, such as bus stations, park-and-rides, and roadside bays

Integrating charging infrastructure into urban development plans, zoning laws, and transport masterplans helps avoid bottlenecks and ensures equitable access. Municipalities should also align charging sites with modal hubs – such as train stations, taxi ranks, and BRT stops – to serve a broad user base.

Transport planning can also support NEV uptake by mandating EV-ready infrastructure in new commercial and residential developments.

Grid Integration: Managing Demand and Risk

NEV charging can place strain on local power grids. Solutions include:

Smart charging: EVSE that adjusts charging rates based on grid capacity or time-of-use tariffs
Load management systems: Prevent multiple chargers from peaking simultaneously
Power backups: Especially critical in regions prone to outages; solutions include solar + battery systems or failover generators

Early coordination with utilities is essential for load forecasting, infrastructure reinforcement, and energy strategy alignment.

Financing, Business Models, and Billing

Local governments can support infrastructure investment through:

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) or utility co-investment
User-pays models: per kWh, time-based, subscription, or flat fees
Billing systems: using mobile money or RFID cards for flexible access

Infrastructure plans should include cost-benefit analyses, life-cycle cost modelling, and strategies to maximise charger utilisation, especially in high-demand or underserved areas.

Final Takeaway

EV charging infrastructure is not just about the hardware and software – it’s about urban mobility, energy resilience, and inclusive planning. Local governments that embed charging into city development, transport design, and utility planning will be best placed to unlock the full promise of NEVs. These efforts should align with regional and national strategies to ensure coherence, attract funding, and support scalable, long-term impact.

Reference List

https://driivz.com/blog/ev-charging-standards-and-protocols/
https://evchargingsystems.au/blog/understanding-the-difference-between-ac-vs-dc-ev-chargers/
https://blinkcharging.com/en-in/blog/ac-and-dc-chargers
https://evbox.com/uk-en/requests/pillar-pages/the-beginners-guide-to-charging-your-electric-car
https://www.electriccarscheme.com/blog/ev-myth-busting-the-grid-and-electric-vehicle-charging