Volkswagen Rwanda unveils new EV charging stations

Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda (VWMSR) has proudly unveiled its second charging station for electric vehicles (EV) in the capital of Kigali.

Volkswagen previously introduced a range of four e-Golfs and one charging station in Kigali in October 2019, as part of an e-mobility pilot project in partnership with Siemens, according to Motorpress.

Rwanda is the first African country to introduce Volkswagen electric vehicles. The range since has grown to 20 e-Golfs, used mainly for shuttles through VWMSR’s mobility services.

The second charging station, situated at the Kigali Convention Centre, forms a part of the collaborative project. The station was unveiled on March 30 while the Rwandan Minister of Environment, Dr Jean d’Arc Mujawamariya.

The Minister stated that sustainable mobility is a priority for Rwanda at this point.

“With this in mind, Rwanda developed a new Environment and Climate Change Policy that calls for the transition to sustainable mobility,” said Mujawamariya. “The progress made to date is very encouraging. I commend Volkswagen Mobility Solutions for the investment made to deliver this charging station, and encourage all businesses and the public to make the switch to electric mobility.”

Serge Kamuhinda, CEO of VWMSR, said the new charging station was a stepping stone towards the company’s goal of environmentally sustainable mobility. “This milestone is in line with the Volkswagen Group’s commitment to protecting the environment, with a focus on sustainable and responsible mobility for all its markets, including Africa,” said Kamuhinda. “As Volkswagen Rwanda, we are proud to be leading this charge in Sub-Saharan Africa.”

As part of the TRANSFORM 2025+ brand strategy, Volkswagen is focusing on new markets, with the Sub-Saharan region playing a huge role.

The brand is focusing on sustainable mobility, with the project in Rwanda serving as a blueprint for e-mobility in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Picture: Reuters