Second EV exhibition boasts charging station
CoW on track to becoming a green city
The electric vehicle (EV) charging station was donated by Tesla Energy Solutions, a local company focused on delivering sustainable power solutions.
Speaking at the official launch, Tesla managing director Elron Awase said Namibia needs to start embracing new technology. “Many of these technologies have long been available in other countries. Why can’t Namibia be one of the first?”
According to Awase, the City of Windhoek (CoW) has taken a bold step, noting that transportation is a pivotal part of industrialisation and technological advancement. “Transportation is also one of the driving factors of emissions, so it is better to adopt technologies that promote clean energy,” he added.
Windhoek mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja applauded the company for its contribution. “By enabling electric vehicle infrastructure here, Tesla is helping us reduce our carbon footprint and improve urban air quality,” she said.
Tesla’s donation comprises a 22-kilowatt Alternating Current (AC) charger with two charging ports, which takes on average seven to eight hours to fully charge an EV. This differs from a Direct Current (DC) charger, usually found at service stations, which is faster and can fully charge a vehicle in 30 to 40 minutes. AC chargers are slower “because the vehicle first has to convert the AC current to DC to charge the batteries,” Awase explained.
He added that range anxiety remains common among Namibians, with many uncertain about where they will charge when travelling long distances. “If we have more charging stations available, then that range anxiety goes away,” he said, stressing that a wider network of chargers across the city and the country will make e-mobility more practical.
EV exhibition
“What we\'re trying to do is expose the public to alternative types of mobility or vehicles they can actually use,” said Lorraine Gaoses from the City’s environmental engineering department.
With 11 exhibitors, the public was introduced to alternative modes of transport, including EVs, e-bikes and e-wagons. Referring to feedback from the first exhibition in an interview with My.na Cars, Gaoses said Namibians currently have limited information about the EV market, but there are hopes that awareness and acceptance will grow.
“We just want to keep the momentum going, helping the public see that there are e-vehicles in Namibia, and in Windhoek specifically, and showing them where they can access them,” she said.
The charging port launched on Monday is currently the only one operated by the City of Windhoek. Gaoses added that the City will monitor the public’s response to the station and attitudes towards EVs in the capital.
Speaking about practicality in Windhoek, she said EVs are certainly a viable solution, adding that not only cars but also bikes should be considered.
Speaking at the official launch, Tesla managing director Elron Awase said Namibia needs to start embracing new technology. “Many of these technologies have long been available in other countries. Why can’t Namibia be one of the first?”
According to Awase, the City of Windhoek (CoW) has taken a bold step, noting that transportation is a pivotal part of industrialisation and technological advancement. “Transportation is also one of the driving factors of emissions, so it is better to adopt technologies that promote clean energy,” he added.
Windhoek mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja applauded the company for its contribution. “By enabling electric vehicle infrastructure here, Tesla is helping us reduce our carbon footprint and improve urban air quality,” she said.
Tesla’s donation comprises a 22-kilowatt Alternating Current (AC) charger with two charging ports, which takes on average seven to eight hours to fully charge an EV. This differs from a Direct Current (DC) charger, usually found at service stations, which is faster and can fully charge a vehicle in 30 to 40 minutes. AC chargers are slower “because the vehicle first has to convert the AC current to DC to charge the batteries,” Awase explained.
He added that range anxiety remains common among Namibians, with many uncertain about where they will charge when travelling long distances. “If we have more charging stations available, then that range anxiety goes away,” he said, stressing that a wider network of chargers across the city and the country will make e-mobility more practical.
EV exhibition
“What we\'re trying to do is expose the public to alternative types of mobility or vehicles they can actually use,” said Lorraine Gaoses from the City’s environmental engineering department.
With 11 exhibitors, the public was introduced to alternative modes of transport, including EVs, e-bikes and e-wagons. Referring to feedback from the first exhibition in an interview with My.na Cars, Gaoses said Namibians currently have limited information about the EV market, but there are hopes that awareness and acceptance will grow.
“We just want to keep the momentum going, helping the public see that there are e-vehicles in Namibia, and in Windhoek specifically, and showing them where they can access them,” she said.
The charging port launched on Monday is currently the only one operated by the City of Windhoek. Gaoses added that the City will monitor the public’s response to the station and attitudes towards EVs in the capital.
Speaking about practicality in Windhoek, she said EVs are certainly a viable solution, adding that not only cars but also bikes should be considered.
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