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Patrick Chitumba-Midlands Bureau Chief

THE Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) has commissioned the first commercial charging port for electric vehicles at Petrotrade filling station in Gweru, ensuring that the infrastructure exists to make driving electric vehicles a practical possibility.

Zera is crafting a framework that will dictate how EV charging ports are created and used, with the Government moving to promote electric mobility.

The EV market is projected to reach US$623,3 billion globally as countries increasingly move away from internal combustion engine vehicles, with all new vehicles set to be electric by 2035.

With Zimbabwe carrying a significant amount of lithium deposits, the key ingredient for EV batteries, the Government is pushing for mass adoption of EVs for economic reasons, as well as for removing the largest single source of greenhouse gases.

The commercial EV charging system, which has been set at the heartbeat of the nation, will bring much-needed convenience to motorists travelling across the country using the latest vehicles. People seeking to buy electric vehicles need to be assured that when they drive around the country they can charge these cars.

So Zimbabwe’s energy regulator, Zera, is actively promoting EVs.

Zera board chairperson, Dr David Madzikanda said the transition from fossil fuels to EVs required meaningful collaborative efforts and supporting infrastructure.

“As Zera, we support eco-friendly platforms. There’s a new appetite for electric vehicles. It is essential for us to be collective in providing alternatives to fossil fuels. It’s in line with the low emissions development strategy.” 

Dr Madzikanda said the transport sector through EVs was envisioned to reduce emissions by 40 percent per capita by 2030.

“Let’s invest in electric vehicles since we already have a critical resource in the form of lithium. The Government is in the process of crafting the EVs policy as the country continues to embrace alternatives to green gas emissions in a bid to deal with the devastating effects of climate change,” he said.

Petrotrade chairperson Mr Michael Dodo reiterated the need for innovation in the energy revolution.

“We will create wealth for the nation through carbon credits. I want to commend the regulator for proffering solutions to the devastating effects of climate change.” 

Mr Foster Nduku, a motorist from Mkoba 6 suburb in Gweru, said the installation of the infrastructure has created an appetite for EVs among residents.

“I’m very delighted that as Gweru, we have been remembered. By installing this system, it means my fears of acquiring an electric vehicle have been allayed. I now know that I can acquire an electric vehicle and get a charging point,” he said.

Mrs Tebeth Chakoroma, another motorist from the city, said the introduction of EV infrastructure is a big plus for Gweru motorists and the community at large.

“This means there’s going to be economic activity in our city as people come to charge their vehicles.”