The initiative is intended to reduce the amount of electricity the stations draw from the national grid while promoting the use of renewable energy.

In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, KABISA Managing Director Poshia Muhoza said the pilot is being conducted at the company’s charging stations as well as its offices.

“We are implementing this programme at our stations. Even here at our offices, we try our best to embrace solar energy,” she said.

KABISA currently operates eight electric vehicle charging stations in Kigali. The company plans to establish more stations in secondary cities, including Musanze, Rubavu, Huye and Rusizi.

The pilot comes as electric mobility continues to gain ground in Rwanda, alongside efforts to expand charging infrastructure for electric vehicle users.

Muhoza said government policies continue to facilitate investment in the sector, particularly by making it easier for investors to obtain permits and the equipment required to establish charging stations.

“National policy continues to support the use of electric vehicles. The government is currently making it easier for investors building charging stations to obtain permits quickly and access the transformers they need,” she said.

She added that tax exemptions on imported electric vehicles and a government plan to have electric vehicles account for 30% of vehicles used by public institutions are also encouraging investment in the sector.

Muhoza said discussions with government officials and electricity distributors have given KABISA assurances that projects are underway to increase domestic power generation and meet growing demand, including from electric vehicle users.

KABISA says some of the electric vehicles it sells can travel up to 500 kilometres on a full battery, while charging costs can be up to 70% lower than the cost of petrol or diesel.

The government has also announced plans to build electric vehicle charging stations in areas where limited commercial returns may not attract private investors, ensuring wider access to charging services.