Volkswagen is scaling up its electric vehicle (EV) program in Kigali, Rwanda, adding more e-Golfs and expanding charging infrastructure. This move aligns with Rwanda‘s push toward cleaner transportation and its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Key highlights include:
- Fleet Expansion: Increasing from 4 to 50 e-Golfs, supported by 15 charging stations.
- Government Support: Zero import duties and VAT on EVs until mid-2028, plus capped electricity tariffs for EV charging.
- Rapid EV Growth: Rwanda’s electric and hybrid vehicles surged from 19 in 2020 to over 6,000 by 2024.
- Economic Benefits: Reducing reliance on fuel imports (12% of Rwanda’s 2018 imports) by leveraging local renewable energy sources.
- Cleaner Transport: EVs contribute to reducing transportation emissions, which currently account for 13% of Rwanda’s total emissions.
Volkswagen’s efforts in Kigali aim to test and refine EV solutions for broader adoption across Africa, while supporting Rwanda’s sustainable development goals.
The Development of Volkswagen‘s e-Golf Pilot Program
Program Launch and Vehicle Features
Volkswagen introduced its e-Golf pilot program in Rwanda as part of the "Moving Rwanda" initiative, marking Rwanda as the first African country to host a Volkswagen electric vehicle program. The initial phase featured four e-Golfs and a single charging station in Kigali, launched through a partnership between Volkswagen and Siemens. Siemens played a key role by supplying the charging infrastructure.
Sabine Dall’Omo, CEO for Siemens Southern and Eastern Africa, highlighted the importance of this collaboration:
"Our partnership with Volkswagen on this project solidifies our commitment not only to Rwanda but to the East Africa region. By contributing towards shaping the African market for intelligent, adaptive infrastructure, while addressing skills challenges in this sector, Siemens is helping to build a more sustainable future for the people of Rwanda."
The e-Golfs were integrated into the Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda fleet, offering mobility services through the Move App, which had already attracted around 27,000 users and completed over 59,500 rides since early 2019.
Designed specifically for Kigali’s urban environment, each e-Golf is powered by a 24.2 kW lithium-ion battery, delivering 114 horsepower. The vehicles are equipped with advanced digital features, including fully digital displays and e-mobility tools that allow users to track miles traveled, power usage, and locate nearby charging stations.
To ensure smooth operations, Volkswagen provided specialized training for drivers and technicians, helping them adapt to the new electric vehicle technology. With this foundation in place, Volkswagen is now gearing up to expand its efforts significantly.
Current Expansion and Future Plans
After the successful launch, Volkswagen announced plans to scale the program from four e-Golfs and one charging station to 50 e-Golfs and 15 charging stations. This expansion represents a dramatic increase in both the fleet size and charging infrastructure. The initiative, still operating under the "Moving Rwanda" banner, now involves a broader collaboration with Siemens, SAP, Inros Lackner, and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.
The expanded fleet will continue to operate through Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda, with services accessible via the Move App. A major focus of this phase is improving the charging infrastructure. The original charging station could recharge up to 80% of a vehicle’s battery in about an hour, but home charging required up to 11 hours. Addressing these limitations is a priority as the program grows.
Thomas Schäfer, reflecting on the program’s significance, stated:
"The integrated mobility solutions business in Rwanda is our lighthouse project. In the past year, our operations in Kigali have provided us with valuable lessons and business intelligence which we plan to utilize in our growth strategy into other African markets like Ghana and Ethiopia."
Rwanda’s energy infrastructure has proven to be a strong asset for the program. The country’s reliable electricity supply and the ability to charge vehicles at night, when there is excess power, create favorable conditions for electric vehicle operations. Moreover, by reducing reliance on fuel imports – fuel accounted for 12% of Rwanda’s total imports in 2018 – the expanded e-Golf fleet aligns with Rwanda’s goals of energy independence and cost reduction.
This pilot program is set to become a model for electric mobility across Africa. The data collected from 50 vehicles and 15 charging stations will offer critical insights to guide future electric vehicle initiatives throughout the continent.
Effects on Rwanda‘s Transportation System
Clean Air and Energy Benefits
Volkswagen’s expansion of its e-Golf fleet is making a noticeable difference in Kigali’s air quality. Vehicle emissions are the largest contributor to urban air pollution in the city. A 2018 study highlighted them as the leading cause of deteriorating air quality. This issue becomes even more pressing when considering that, in 2023, over 3.3 million Rwandans sought treatment for respiratory illnesses. With motorcycles making up over 30% of the country’s vehicles, the push for cleaner transportation options is more urgent than ever.
Rwanda’s climate goals align perfectly with this shift. The country has set an ambitious target to cut emissions by 38% compared to business-as-usual levels by 2030. Electric vehicles are expected to play a key role, potentially reducing 9% of energy-related emissions under Rwanda’s climate action plan. Despite having fewer vehicles than many of its neighbors, Rwanda is positioning itself as a leader in tackling air pollution.
Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente captured this sentiment, stating:
"Rwandans are becoming increasingly aware that protecting the environment is a top priority. We are confident that the introduction of environmentally friendly transport services will accelerate the reduction of air pollution levels."
Beyond environmental benefits, this initiative also offers economic advantages. Rwanda heavily relies on imported fuel, which accounted for 12% of all imports in 2018. By transitioning to locally generated electricity, the country can reduce its dependency on costly fuel imports. Together, these environmental and economic benefits are reshaping Kigali’s transportation landscape and enhancing urban accessibility.
Better Access and Efficiency in City Transport
The expanded e-Golf fleet is transforming urban mobility in Kigali, making it easier for residents to access jobs and services. At present, only about one-third of jobs in Kigali are within an hour’s reach using public transport. By integrating e-Golf vehicles with Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda’s app-based platform, this program is helping to close that gap. It’s a step forward for Kigali’s vision of becoming a public transport–focused, climate-smart city.
Each e-Golf has a range of up to 143 miles on a full charge. As Kigali’s population continues to grow at over 3.2% annually, these advancements are being complemented by broader infrastructure projects. These include dedicated bus lanes, expanded sidewalks, cycling paths, and the Nyabugogo transportation hub, which is projected to serve up to 180,000 passengers daily by 2030. Together, these developments not only make daily commutes more manageable but also align with Rwanda’s efforts to champion climate-conscious urban growth.
Problems and Opportunities
Despite the progress, challenges remain in scaling electric mobility across Rwanda. Limited electricity capacity and low electrification rates pose significant hurdles. While Rwanda achieved a renewable energy consumption rate of 79.9% in 2022, further investments in infrastructure will be critical to support a larger fleet of electric vehicles. Additionally, Rwanda’s relatively small market can deter private sector investment, and the reliance on foreign funding raises questions about long-term sustainability.
Rwanda’s goal of having 20% of its public transport fleet powered by electric buses by 2030 is a crucial step toward building a stronger EV ecosystem. The lessons learned from the e-Golf program can offer valuable insights for these broader efforts, paving the way for a more integrated electric mobility system.
Interestingly, the initiative is branching out beyond passenger vehicles. In October 2024, Volkswagen launched the GenFarm project in Gashora, Rwanda, introducing electric tractors into sustainable farming practices. This diversification showcases how the knowledge gained from the e-Golf program can be applied across different sectors, further advancing Rwanda’s vision for a cleaner and more efficient future.
Effects on Rwanda’s EV Market
Speeding Up EV Adoption in Rwanda
Volkswagen’s e-Golf pilot program is playing a key role in boosting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Rwanda, thanks to strategic partnerships and supportive policies. The numbers speak for themselves: the country saw electric cars jump from just 19 in 2020 to an impressive 512 by 2024. Hybrid vehicles experienced an even bigger leap, growing from 28 in 2021 to 6,660 in 2024. These figures highlight a growing appetite for electric mobility in the region.
Rwanda has established itself as one of Africa’s most EV-friendly markets through forward-thinking government policies. Companies involved in the EV sector enjoy a reduced corporate tax rate of 15%, while import duties, VAT, and excise taxes on EVs and related equipment have been completely removed. These financial incentives make it easier for businesses and consumers alike to embrace electric vehicles.
The success of the e-Golf pilot is also driving regulatory changes. Starting January 1, 2025, only electric motorcycles will be eligible for registration in Rwanda. This regulatory shift is paving the way for further advancements in infrastructure and the broader EV ecosystem.
Building Infrastructure for EVs
Volkswagen’s e-Golf initiative is not just about vehicles – it’s also pushing for better charging infrastructure. Rwanda now boasts 24 public charging stations, along with 4 direct motorcycle chargers and 49 combined stations offering both chargers and battery-swapping services. The government has prioritized strategic placement of charging stations as part of its broader infrastructure plans.
Kabisa, a leading player in EV infrastructure, plans to expand its network to 38 charging stations by the end of 2024, ensuring coverage every 62 miles across the country. In February 2025, Kabisa opened an ultra-fast charging facility at SP’s Kanombe station in Kigali. This station features 240 kW chargers, a major step up from the current 7.43 kW to 22 kW chargers. These ultra-fast chargers can power up a vehicle in just 15–25 minutes – up to 10 times faster than conventional options.
Pophia Muhoza, Kabisa’s Managing Director, underscored the regional significance of this infrastructure:
"We’re proud to welcome all EVs to the first Kabisa Supercharger and see it as an important step in our progress towards an ultra-fast, convenient network across the entire region. This is really just the beginning as we build out everything needed to bring East Africa the full benefits of electric vehicles – cost savings, cleaner air, and lower emissions – through vehicle sales, charging, and maintenance."
To further support this growth, the government is offering rent-free land for charging stations located on public property and has capped electricity tariffs for EV charging. These measures are not only making EV adoption easier but are also helping to build a robust ecosystem for the market.
Building Rwanda’s Car Market Ecosystem
The e-Golf program is doing more than just introducing electric cars – it’s helping to create a thriving automotive ecosystem. For instance, Ampersand, an EV-focused company, operates 32 battery-swapping stations in Kigali and plans to manufacture 18,000 batteries for its fleet by 2025. This kind of diversification is opening up new business opportunities in the EV sector.
The program’s success has also caught the attention of international investors, positioning Rwanda as a promising hub for EV innovation in Africa. Allan Kweli, head of operations at Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda, highlighted this unique advantage:
"The beauty of Rwanda is that the government has created a test scenario whereby you can prove your work in an African setup."
In addition, the ecosystem is exploring Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, which allows EVs to supply power back to the grid during peak demand, aiding in grid stability.
AUTO24.rw, Rwanda’s leading platform for buying, selling, and trading vehicles, is another key player in this ecosystem. The company has become the go-to dealer for a wide range of EVs, including Teslas, Leapmotor, ROX, and other global brands. By connecting international manufacturers with local consumers, AUTO24.rw is helping to bridge the gap in the EV market.
For drivers, the switch to electric vehicles is proving to be financially rewarding. Those transitioning to electric motorbikes have reported a 45% increase in their take-home pay. This economic boost, combined with environmental benefits, is making EVs an increasingly attractive option in Rwanda.
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Conclusion: Moving Toward Cleaner Transportation
Key Points
Volkswagen’s e-Golf pilot is making waves in Rwanda, reshaping the way transportation works in an urban African setting. The program has shown that electric vehicles (EVs) are more than capable of meeting the demands of city life, offering a glimpse into a cleaner, more efficient future.
This initiative ties directly into Rwanda’s ambitious target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente emphasized the financial advantages of this shift, stating:
"E-mobility presents great opportunities to substitute expensive fuel imports with electricity generated in the country."
By reducing reliance on imported fuel and slashing emissions, the program not only benefits the environment but also strengthens the nation’s economy. It’s a prime example of how forward-thinking policies and innovative solutions can work hand in hand to create meaningful progress.
Kigali has already established itself as a hub for testing electric mobility solutions, and this pilot further cements its reputation. Volkswagen sees this program as more than a local success – it’s a potential roadmap for scaling electric mobility across Africa. Policies like zero import duties on EVs have created a supportive environment, allowing such initiatives to thrive.
As Rwanda continues to expand its EV infrastructure and refine policies, the e-Golf pilot serves as a strong foundation for future growth. With an expanding charging network and ongoing government support, this program highlights how international collaboration and cutting-edge technology can lead to cleaner, more sustainable urban transportation. It’s a shining example of what’s possible when innovation meets determination.
Rwanda Switches To Electric Cars
FAQs
How does Volkswagen’s e-Golf expansion in Rwanda support the country’s sustainability goals?
Volkswagen’s move to broaden its e-Golf pilot program in Rwanda is a step forward in supporting the country’s push for cleaner, greener urban transportation. This initiative ties in with Rwanda’s broader vision of cutting carbon emissions and working toward carbon neutrality by promoting the use of electric vehicles.
By rolling out more e-Golfs on Kigali’s roads, Volkswagen is playing a role in reducing air pollution while paving the way for a more environmentally conscious mobility system. This effort underscores Rwanda’s dedication to embracing innovation and prioritizing environmental responsibility in its transportation policies.
What economic advantages could Rwanda gain from adopting more electric vehicles like the e-Golf?
Rwanda is set to reap notable economic gains as electric vehicles (EVs), such as the e-Golf, become more common. On average, each EV could save around $12,000 in fuel costs throughout its lifespan. This shift not only reduces the country’s dependence on imported fuel but also trims down national expenditures. Take electric motorcycles as an example – if widely adopted, they could save Rwanda up to $22 million every year.
Beyond cost savings, the move toward EVs boosts the economy in other ways. It helps build a more sustainable transportation network, generates jobs in EV infrastructure projects, and strengthens energy self-sufficiency. These efforts tie into Rwanda’s larger vision of promoting greener urban mobility and ensuring long-term economic stability.
What obstacles does Rwanda face in adopting electric vehicles, and how is Volkswagen’s e-Golf program helping to overcome them?
Rwanda is grappling with some hurdles in its journey toward embracing electric vehicles (EVs). A few key challenges include the lack of widespread charging infrastructure, an energy grid that’s still in development, and road conditions that can be particularly hard on EVs. Together, these obstacles make it tricky to expand electric mobility at a fast pace.
Volkswagen’s e-Golf program is stepping in to tackle these issues head-on. By rolling out a pilot fleet of e-Golfs and setting up strategically placed charging stations, the initiative is testing how feasible EVs are in Kigali. At the same time, it’s laying the groundwork for better infrastructure, paving the way for broader adoption of sustainable transportation down the line.
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