Ethio Telecom Launches EV Charging Stations in Addis Ababa

Ethio telecom has opened electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along the newly renovated Bole to Megenagna road.

Dubbed teleEV, the facility marks a critical step for the state-owned telecom operator which is increasingly diversifying its operations. Positioned on both sides of the road—a key segment of the city’s first-phase corridor development project—the stations feature 32 charging points.

The service is fully integrated with Ethio telecom’s telebirr superapp, allowing users to check real-time availability of charging slots, operate the system without human intervention, and pay online.

Charging costs are set at 10 birr per kilowatt-hour (kWh), and the service, available 24 hours, is unlocked by scanning the QR code on the charging ports.

To use the service, drivers connect their vehicle’s charging port, open the telebirr app, and select the “Charge Pile” option. They then scan the QR code on the dispenser, choose a charging strategy—either full charge or charge by percentage—and proceed with payment through their EV account balance on telebirr.

The station is equipped with three types of charging options. According to Ethio Telecom the Ultra-Fast Chargers, with a capacity of up to 600 kW, can fully charge compatible vehicles in just 15 minutes,

An ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charger is a high-power charging system designed to recharge EV batteries at significantly faster rates compared to standard or even fast chargers. These chargers typically deliver power of 150kW+, allowing compatible vehicles to gain a full charge between 10-20mins

The Super-Fast Chargers, supporting up to 500 kW, are also designed to deliver high-speed charging. Additionally, Smart Pole Chargers, integrated into the city's smart infrastructure, serve as Level II chargers that provide emergency charging options at various locations. 

TeleEV launch comes amid rapid EV adoption in Ethiopia, driven by government incentives and rising fuel costs. However, the nation’s charging infrastructure has lagged, with few public stations available.

TotalEnergies Ethiopia has started integrating charging points at its gas stations, while the Petroleum & Energy Authority recently introduced a new directive standardizing technical and safety requirements for EV infrastructure.