ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING

AND BATTERY SWAPPING

INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDELINES

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING AND BATTERY SWAPPING INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDELINES 1

CONTENTS
DEFINITION OF TERMS ......................................................................................................... 3

LIST OF ACRONYMS................................................................................................................ 4

INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................... 5

PURPOSE......................................................................................................................................... 5

SCOPE .............................................................................................................................................. 5

GUIDELINES................................................................................................................................... 6

EFFECTIVE DATE....................................................................................................................... 11

APPENDIX I: ELECTRIC VEHICLES CHARGING ECOSYSTEM....................... 12

2 ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING AND BATTERY SWAPPING INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDELINES

IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by section 11(a)(c)(d), “Charging Station” means a site or location with one or
121(1), 148(1), 151(2) and 163(4) (1) of the Energy Act, 2019, more charging points that allows electric vehicles to charge.
the Authority makes the following Guidelines:-
“Connector” means a cable that connects an EV vehicle to
CITATION AND COMMENCEMENT an electric charging point.
These Guidelines may be cited as the Electric Vehicle (EV) “Electric Vehicle” means a vehicle that is capable of being
Charging and Battery Swapping Infrastructure Guidelines, propelled by electrical power derived from a storage bat-
2023. tery.

DEFINITION OF TERMS “Electric Mobility Service Provider (e-MSP)” means an

entity with which the EV driver contracts for all services re-
“Battery Charging Station (BCS)” means a station where lated to electric charging. The e-MSP has various responsi-
the discharged or partially discharged electric batteries for bilities; from providing charging passes/cards, applications
electric vehicles are electrically recharged. to locate and navigate charging stations, billing and invoic-
ing and customer management.
“Battery Swapping Station (BSS)” means a station where
any electric vehicle can get its discharged battery or par- “Internet of Things (IoT)” means the network of physical
tially charged battery replaced with a charged battery. objects/devices/equipment that are embedded with sen-
sors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of
“Battery Management System (BMS)” means a system connecting and exchanging data with other devices and
that monitors and manages a rechargeable battery (or systems over the Internet.
group of batteries).
“Public Charging Station (PCS)” means an EV charging
“Charging Bay” means a designated area or space where station where any electric vehicle can get its battery re-
electric vehicles can be parked and connected to a charging charged.
point.
“Smart Charging” means a charging system where electric
“Charging Point” – also known as an Electric Vehicle Sup- vehicles, charging stations and charging operators share
ply Equipment (EVSE), means a component or device in data connections.
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) that sup-
plies electrical energy for recharging the battery of electric “Warranty” means a document of assurance or guarantee
vehicles. A charging point may have one or several connec- given to the purchaser or system owner by a manufactur-
tors to accommodate different connector types. er, vendor or installer, as the case may be, stating that a
product or installation will perform as stated, is reliable and
“Charging Point Operator (CPO)” means an entity that free from known defects and that the manufacturer, vendor
installs and manages the operations of the charging infra- or installer shall, without charge, repair or replace defective
structure. A CPO may own the charging infrastructure or parts within a given time limit and under certain conditions.
provide services on behalf of the charge station owner.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING AND BATTERY SWAPPING INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDELINES 3

LIST OF ACRONYMS
BCS Battery Charging Station
BMS Battery Management System
BSS Battery Swapping Station
CPO Charging Point Operator
E-MSP Electric Mobility Service Provider
EPRA Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority
EV Electric Vehicle
EVCI Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
EVSE Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment
FCB Fluid Cooled Batteries
IoT Internet of Things
KEBS Kenya Bureau of Standards
OMCs Oil Marketing Companies
PCS Public Charging Station
RO Retail Outlet

4 ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING AND BATTERY SWAPPING INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDELINES

INTRODUCTION PURPOSE
The Government of Kenya has undertaken multiple initia- The purpose of these Guidelines is:
tives to promote manufacturing and adoption of electric ve-
hicles as the country endeavours to achieve its energy tran- i. To make electric vehicle charging infrastructure ac-
sition goals. The Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-Up cessible to all users.
Economic Transformation Plan 2022-2027 (also known as ii. To enable faster adoption of electric vehicles in Kenya
the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), by ensuring safe, reliable, accessible, and affordable
envisages that the Government will construct 1000 electric charging infrastructure and eco-system.
vehicle charging stations. It is envisaged that there will be iii. To promote affordable tariffs chargeable from Electric
700 in urban areas and 300 along highways. Vehicle (EV) owners and Charging Station Operators/
Owners.
The importation of electric vehicles in the country began
about ten years ago and has mainly been driven by the pri- iv. To generate employment/income opportunities for
vate sector. There has been a slow uptake of EVs partly due small entrepreneurs.
to the following: v. To proactively support the creation of EV Charging
i. Electric vehicles are being deemed expensive com- Infrastructure in the initial phase and eventually cre-
pared to internal combustion engine models. ate a market for the EV Charging business.
ii. A lack of clarity on the availability of sustainable and vi. To encourage the preparedness of Electrical Distribu-
affordable energy for electric vehicles. tion Systems to adopt EV Charging Infrastructure.
iii. Accessibility issues are caused by inadequate charg- vii. To create uniformity and certainty towards accelerat-
ing infrastructure. ed adoption of EVs in the Country.

With Government support, electric vehicles have started SCOPE

to penetrate the Kenyan market. However, there is current-
ly no framework that encourages uptake and penetration These Guidelines apply to individuals, firms, and institu-
through an enabling framework. The Authority has there- tions intending to install, operate and maintain a Public/Pri-
fore developed the Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging and vate Charging Station and Battery Swapping Stations. The
Battery Swapping Infrastructure Guidelines, 2023. These Guidelines will also apply to users where applicable.
Guidelines summarise key considerations when siting, de-
signing, installing, and operating electric vehicle charging
points and stations.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING AND BATTERY SWAPPING INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDELINES 5

GUIDELINES 1.3 Every PCS shall have the following minimum infrastructure:
i. An exclusive transformer and/or electric supply line
1. Public Charging Infrastructure Requirements with all related supply equipment including safety ap-
pliances, as required by the Kenya Grid Code.
1.1 Any person intending to install a PCS shall be a required
to apply to the Authority for an electricity retail supply li- ii. Appropriate cabling and electrical works ensuring
cense prior to such installation. safety and stability of electricity grid.
iii. Appropriate civil works.
1.2 Any person seeking to set up a PCS may apply for con- iv. Adequate space for charging and entry/exit of vehicles.
nectivity on the specified area of supply and will be provid-
ed with connectivity on priority basis by the Electric Distri- v. Appropriate fire protection equipment and facilities.
bution Licensee. Any Charging Station/Chain of Charging vi. Appropriate public amenities.
Stations may also obtain electricity from any generation vii. Practice generally accepted international standards.
licensee through open access arrangement. viii. The PCS shall have, one or more chargers or any com-
bination of chargers from the table below:

Charger Charger Rated Output No. of Connector Charging Vehicle

Type Connectors Voltage (V) Guns (CG) Type(W=wheeler)
Fast Charge Combined Charging 200-750 or higher 1 CG 4W
(DC & AC) System (CCS)
(> 50 kW) - DC
CHArgedeMOve (CHAde- 200-500 or higher 1 CG 4W
MO)
(> 50 kW) - DC
Type-2 AC 380- 415 1 CG 4W, 3W, 2W
Three - Phase
(> 22 kW)
Moderate and Type-2 AC 380- 415 1 CG 4W, 3W, 2W
Slow Charge (> 22 kW)
(AC)
Type-2 AC 380- 415 1 CG 4W, 3W, 2W
>3.7kW and ≤ 22kW

The CS may have options for installation of additional charging points if required.

6 ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING AND BATTERY SWAPPING INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDELINES

 ix. The CS for two/three wheelers shall be free to install 1.7 A CS may be installed in residential estates, malls, office
any chargers other than those specified in the table complexes, restaurants, hotels, and other similar premises.
above subject to compliance with technical and safe-
ty standards as laid down by the Kenya Bureau of 1.8 The PCS may have the option to add stand-alone battery
Standards (KEBS) and EPRA. swapping facilities provided space and/or other conditions
permit.
x. The PCS/CPO shall tie up with at least one online
e-MSP to enable advance remote/online booking of 2. Private Charging Infrastructure Requirements
charging slots by EV owners. Such online information
to EV owners should also include information regard- 2.1 Private charging at residences/offices shall be permitted.
ing location, types, and numbers of chargers installed/
available and so on. 2.2 The minimum public charging infrastructure require-
ments in Clause 1.3 do not apply to Private Charging Points
xi. The PCS shall share charging station data with ap- meant for the self-use of individual EV owners (non-com-
propriate electric power distribution licensees and mercial basis).
maintain appropriate protocols as prescribed by such
companies for this purpose. The Authority shall have 2.3 Captive charging infrastructure for 100% internal use
access to this data. for a company’s own/leased fleet for its own use will not be
xii. Where a fast/rapid charging facility is also planned to required to install chargers that have tie-ups with e-MSPs.
be provided at the PCS, the following additional infra-
2.4 The fast/rapid Charging Stations which are meant only
structure shall be provided:
for 100% in-house/captive utilization, for instance, buses of
a) Appropriate Liquid Cooled cables if High-Speed a company, would be free to decide the charging specifica-
Charging Facility for onboard charging of Fluid tions as per requirement for its in-house company.
Cooled Batteries (FCBs) is also planned.
b) Appropriate Climate Control Equipment for Fast 2.5 Charging Points shall be certified and type-approved/
Charging of Batteries to be used for swapping. tested by KEBS or any other accredited agency.

1.4 A Charging Point Operator/owner shall ensure that the 2.6 Private charging infrastructure shall be operational only
workforce installing, maintaining, and operating chargers have after inspection, testing and issuance of a completion cer-
appropriate licenses, certifications, and training to ensure tificate issued by a licensed electrical contractor/inspector.
that the installation, operation, and maintenance of chargers
2.7 A separate metering arrangement shall be made for
are performed safely and meet public safety standards.
charging points so that consumption may be recorded and
1.5 No PCS shall be operational without inspection, testing billed as per the applicable tariff for EV charging.
and issuance of a completion certificate issued by a licensed
3. Battery Swapping Stations Requirements
electrical contractor/inspector.
3.1 The provision of adequate space for charging and swap-
1.6 The Charging Points shall be certified and type-ap-
ping of batteries.
proved/tested by KEBS or any other accredited agency.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING AND BATTERY SWAPPING INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDELINES 7

3.2 The batteries are required to be BMS-enabled for effi- 3.10 Every Battery Swapping station shall only be operation-
cient battery monitoring, data analysis, and safety. The bat- al after inspection, testing and issuance of a completion cer-
tery swapping provider shall ensure that appropriate BMS tificate issued by a licensed electrical contractor/inspector.
is in place to protect the battery from conditions such as
thermal runaway. 4. Installation Documentation, Warranty, and Insurance

3.3 To ensure battery safety and security of assets, swap- 4.1 Installers of charging points and/or battery swapping
pable batteries will be equipped with advanced features like stations shall upon completion of electrical installation work
IoT-based battery monitoring systems, remote monitoring issue the system owner or operator with the following doc-
& immobilisation capabilities, and other required control umentation:
features. i. A completion certificate including a declaration that
the system owner/operator has been trained on the
3.4 To implement unique traceability across the battery li- safe use and maintenance of the charging point(s)
fecycle, a UIN shall be assigned at the manufacturing stage and tests results of commissioning tests,
for tracking and monitoring EV batteries. An appropriate
ii. The “as built” system design and drawings,
system may be applied which is tamper-proof and allows
centralised monitoring. iii. Warranties on the charging infrastructure and acces-
sories issued by the manufacturer or vendor.
3.5 The standard or methodology and the detailed definition iv. A warranty for the installation workmanship of not less
of the UIN system for EV batteries shall be as approved by than one year from the date of commissioning, and
the relevant authorities.
v. Appropriate operations and user manuals.
3.6 Battery swapping operators shall store the usage history
4.2 The person installing the charging points and/or battery
and required performance data of the battery with UIN dur-
swapping stations may need to take and maintain profes-
ing EV application, and data must be maintained to facilitate
sional indemnity insurance during the installation process.
the traceability of EV batteries during the entire lifecycle.
5. Location and Database of Public Charging Stations
3.7 A UIN number shall also be assigned to each Battery
Swapping Station. 5.1 In the case of Public Charging Stations, the following
minimum requirements are laid down regarding density/dis-
3.8 Swappable batteries and charging infrastructure shall
tance between two charging points:
be tested and certified as per standards developed or ap-
proved by KEBS for safety. i. At least one Charging Station should be available in a
grid of 3 Km X 3 Km. Additionally, one Charging Sta-
3.9 Battery Swapping Station operators shall ensure that
tion shall be set up at every 25 Km on both sides of
the workforce installing, operating and maintaining charg-
highways/roads.
ers has appropriate licenses, certifications, and training to
ensure that the installation, operation and maintenance of ii. For long range EVs (like long range SUVs) and heavy
chargers and swappable batteries are performed safely. duty EVs such as buses/trucks, there should be at
least one Fast Charging Station with appropriate

8 ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING AND BATTERY SWAPPING INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDELINES

 charging infrastructure at every 100 Kms, one on each 7.2 The tariff applicable for E-mobility shall also be applica-
side of the highways/road located preferably within/ ble for domestic charging.
alongside the charging stations. Within cities, such
charging facilities for heavy duty EVs shall be located 7.3 Separate metering arrangements shall be made for
within bus stops. The swapping facilities are also not charging stations/points so that consumption may be re-
mandatory within cities for buses/trucks. corded and billed as per the applicable tariff for EV charging.

5.2 Additional public charging stations shall be set up in any 8. PCS/BSS Charging Price and Payment Method
area only after meeting the above requirements.
8.1 PCS/BSS charging of EVs is a commercial service.
5.3 The appropriate government(s) (both national and
8.2 Prices charged by PCS/BSS shall be just and reasona-
counties) may also give priority to existing Retail Outlets
ble, non-discriminatory and the tariff determination shall be
(ROs) of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for installation of
transparent.
Public EV Charging Stations in compliance with the applica-
ble safety requirements as laid above. 8.3 The Authority may cap the price to be charged by PCS/
BSS to end users as electricity is being provided at conces-
5.4 The Authority shall create and maintain a national online
sional rates.
database of all the PCS through electricity distribution com-
panies. Appropriate protocols shall be notified by distribu- 8.4 A Charging Point Operator shall clearly display the price
tion companies for this purpose which shall be mandatorily and all its components at all publicly accessible charging
complied by the PCS and BSS. stations to inform the end users before charging. At least
the following price components, if applicable at the charg-
6. Signage, Markings and Accessibility Considerations ing station, shall be clearly displayed:
6.1 When installing charging points, Charging Point Oper- i. price per kWh,
ators/Owners must install appropriate signage and pave- ii. price per minute,
ment markings to guide motorists and ensure safety. The iii. price per session.
charging infrastructure shall be installed in a convenient
location, well-lit and equipped with appropriate gadgets to Unless charging is permanently provided free of charge to
prevent vandalism. customers, charging stations must provide secure payment
methods, accessible to persons with disabilities, which at a
6.2 The charging station should be designed in such a man- minimum shall include a contactless payment method that
ner that it is accessible, easy to use, and safe for all motor- accepts major debit and credit cards, and either an auto-
ists including persons living with disabilities. mated toll-free phone number or a short message/messag-
7. Tariff for Supply of Electricity to EV Public and Pri- ing system (SMS) that provides the EV charging customer
vate Charging Stations/Points with the option to initiate a charging session and submit
payment.
7.1 The tariff for the supply of electricity to EV charging sta-
tions shall be as approved and gazetted by EPRA. This tariff
shall be applicable for Battery Swapping Stations.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING AND BATTERY SWAPPING INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDELINES 9

 9. Charge Point Measuring System 11. EV Charging Infrastructure Communication

9.1 A public charge point shall be configured so that on each 11.1 A charging point shall communicate with a charging net-
occasion it is used, it measures/calculates and records— work via a secure communication method.
i. the electricity it has imported or exported.
11.2 Charging points shall remain functional if communi-
ii. the amount of time for which it is importing or export- cation with the charging network is temporarily disrupted,
ing electricity. such that they initiate and complete charging sessions.
9.2 A public charge point shall be configured so that— 11.3 Charging points and charging networks shall securely
i. a figure measured or calculated in accordance with 9.1 measure, communicate, store, and report energy and power
is accurate to within 5% of the actual figure; and dispensed, real-time charging-port status, real-time price to
ii. any inaccuracies are not systematic. For the purposes the customer, and historical charging-port uptime.
of these Guidelines, an inaccuracy is systematic if, as
11.4 A charging network shall be capable of communicating
a consequence of the design or manufacture of the
with other charging networks to enable an EV driver to use
charge point, it is consistent or predictable.
a single method of identification to charge at charging sta-
10. Smart Functionality tions that are a part of multiple charging networks.

10.1 Every public charge point shall have a smart functionality. 11.5 Charging networks shall be capable of secure communi-
cation with electric utilities, other energy providers, or local
10.2 A public charge point has a smart functionality if: energy management systems.
i. It is able to send and receive information via a com- 12. Customer Service, Data Privacy, Data Sharing and
munication network; Security
ii. It can respond to signals or other information received
12.1 PCS and BSS operators shall ensure that EV charging
by it by:
customers have mechanisms to report outages, malfunc-
a) increasing or decreasing the rate of electricity tions, and other issues with charging infrastructure.
flowing through the charge point.
b) changing the time at which electricity flows 12.2 PCS and BSS operators must collect, process, and re-
through the charge point. tain only the personal information strictly necessary to pro-
vide the charging service to a consumer, including informa-
iii. it is capable of using the functionality referred to in tion to complete the charging transaction and to provide
(i) and (ii) above to provide demand side response the location of charging stations to the consumer.
services.
12.3 PCS and BSS operators shall ensure that the following
iv. at least one user interface is incorporated in the
data fields are made available, free of charge, to third-party
charge point or otherwise made available to the owner.
software developers, through the application programming
interface:

10 ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING AND BATTERY SWAPPING INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDELINES

 i. Unique charging station name or identifier
ii. Location of the charging station
iii. Charging station operator name
iv. Charging network provider name
v. Charging station status (under construction, opera-
tional, decommissioned)
vi. Charging station access information
vii. Number of charging ports
viii. Connector types available by port
ix. Charging level by port (DCFC, AC Level 2, etc.)
x. Real-time status by port
xi. Pricing and payment information.

12.4 PCS and BSS operators shall implement physical and

cybersecurity strategies consistent with their respective EV
infrastructure deployment plans to ensure charging station
operations protect consumer data and protect against the
risk of harm to, or disruption of, charging infrastructure and
the electricity grid.

13. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

Any complaints involving or between; electric vehicle own-

ers, charging station operators, battery swapping service
providers, and other relevant entities may submit such com-
plaints to the Authority. Complaints and dispute handling
shall be in accordance with the Energy (Complaints and Dis-
putes Resolution) Regulations 2012

EFFECTIVE DATE
The effective date of the guidelines shall be 1st September
2023.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING AND BATTERY SWAPPING INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDELINES 11

APPENDIX I: ELECTRIC VEHICLES CHARGING ECOSYSTEM

HUB
Power Utility Roaming Platform
(Electricity Supply)

Bilateral roaming
Charge Point agreement between E-Mobility Service
e-MSP and CPO
Operator (CPO) Provider (e-MSP)
Installs and manages the Provides access and
charging station/Network payment services to drivers

Operation Contract
Subscription
Self-Generation between owner and CPO
(Electricity Supply)

Charging Station
Owner EV Driver/Owner
Business providing EV
Charging at their private Signs contract with e-MSP
or public premises or
location

12 ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING AND BATTERY SWAPPING INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDELINES

CONTACT US
Head office
Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority
Eagle Africa Centre, Longonot Rd, Upperhill
P. O. Box 42681-00100 GPO, Nairobi
Telephone: +254 709 336 000
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.epra.go.ke

North Rift Region – Eldoret Nyanza & Western Region - Kisumu

7th Floor, Eldoret Daima Towers 2nd floor, Lake Basin Mall
P. O. Box 6950-30100 P. O. Box 7540-40100
Eldoret Kisumu
Tel: 020 7859465 Tel: 020 7859356

Central Region - Nyeri North Rift Region – Lodwar

4th Floor, KDS Centre, Kimathi Way Former WFP Office, Along Lodwar Airport Road,
P. O. Box 1670-10100 P. O. Box 447 – 30500,
Nyeri Lodwar
TEL: 066 2321859 020 7859356

Coast Region - Mombasa North Eastern Region – Isiolo

3rd floor, Kilindini Plaza Building, Moi Avenue BarsalingaTowers, 2nd Floor Along Isiolo
P. O. Box 83315-80100 Moyale Road.
Mombasa P. O. Box 55 – 60300,
Tel: 066 2322946 Isiolo
Tel: 020 7859356

Published
ELECTRIC in September
VEHICLE CHARGING 2023
AND BATTERY SWAPPING INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDELINES 13