Sparking Windhoek’s transportation transition

Windhoek is taking a significant stride towards a greener future, thanks to a generous donation from Tesla Energy Solutions. The City of Windhoek's recent Special Council Meeting revealed that the municipality will receive an electric vehicle (EV) charging station, valued at approximately N$120 000, from the Namibian sustainable energy technology firm. Loide Nantinda, founder of Invictus Media and green EV charging solutions project and communications consultant confirmed that Tesla Energy Solutions is a Walvis Bay-based entity and has no affiliation with Tesla USA. “Our EV charging stations also operate independently and are not linked to Tesla's proprietary charging network,” she said.The charging station, set to be installed at the City of Windhoek's offices, will serve as a publicly accessible hub, enabling the municipality to monitor usage trends and gather crucial data on EV adoption, she explained.“We have currently installed three operational charging stations at the following locations: BMW Motors in Windhoek, Arandis Truckport Station, and our offices in Walvis Bay. These stations are equipped with CCS 2 connectors, which are compatible with a wide range of electric vehicles, primarily European and US models such as those from VW, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW. We acknowledge that our current infrastructure does not support vehicles utilizing ChaDeMO connectors, commonly found in Asian models like the Nissan Leaf. However, we are actively working on sourcing compatible adaptors to expand our service capabilities to include ChaDeMO-equipped vehicles in the near future,” she elaborated.According to Nantinda the Tesla Energy Solutions' donation comes at a crucial juncture, aligning with the City of Windhoek's proactive approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation. “By providing the infrastructure for EV charging, the company is directly contributing to the city's efforts to advance climate resilience and foster the adoption of green technologies within the urban environment,” she said.“This initiative is not just about installing a charging station; it's about laying the groundwork for a broader transition towards sustainable transportation,” and says that, “the data collected from the charging station will be invaluable for ongoing research on the integration of EVs into Namibia's transport system. This research will provide crucial insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders, paving the way for the development of a robust and sustainable EV ecosystem.”According to Nantinda, other energy players are actively pursuing initiatives that contribute to the national e-mobility framework, signaling a unified effort to advance sustainable transportation solutions in the country. “As Namibia's Energy sector continues to evolve, initiatives like this demonstrate the growing importance of embracing innovative solutions that promote both economic development and environmental sustainability. The City of Windhoek's partnership with Tesla Energy Solutions is a testament to the power of collaboration in driving positive change and building a greener future for all Namibians.The upcoming charging station for the City of Windhoek will enhance public awareness of electric mobility and provide accessible charging infrastructure for the community, says Nantinda. “The specific timeline for public availability will be determined and communicated by the City of Windhoek following the installation process. We are actively engaged in discussions with various prospective and interested parties to establish additional charging stations at strategic locations across Namibia for public use, further expanding the national charging network,” she says. “Currently, there are no direct charging fees at our operational stations. However, please note that the respective location owners or operators may implement parking fees while a vehicle is utilizing the charging facility. We also wish to draw your attention to the Electric Vehicle Charging Framework recently published by the Electricity Control Board (ECB), which can be found on their website. This framework outlines important terms, conditions, and recommendations for the EV charging sector in Namibia, including guidelines for potential charging tariffs as the market develops and more charging point operators are registered with electricity licensees.” she said.The company’s standard charging station is a three-phase 22kW double-sided alternating current (AC) charging station. “This is a CCS 2-type Level 2 charging station with the capacity to charge two vehicles simultaneously. The City of Windhoek will also have the capability to manage the station's power output based on the available electrical capacity at the connection point. It's also important to note that many electric vehicles have internal limitations on their AC charging rate, often around 10kW for certain models. The charging station intended for the City of Windhoek is scheduled for delivery in April and is projected to be installed by the end of April or during May. The electricity supply for this station will be connected to the existing City of Windhoek power grid at a designated point of supply,” said Nantinda.

Sparking Windhoek’s transportation transition

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Republikein 2025-04-03

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Sparking Windhoek’s transportation transition

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