In this context, Subilo Energy, a startup that produces and sells green and renewable energy products, has installed the first two public charging stations for EVs in the Zambian capital Lusaka. Gregory Chama, CEO of Subilo Energy, said the installation is aimed at making charging stations easier for EV owners and encouraging more Zambians to buy EVs. "We conducted a study before installing the public charging stations in January 2023 and the results showed that many people are willing to buy EVs if they can access efficient charging stations," Chama shared.

Gregory Chama, CEO of Subilo Energy, demonstrates how to use a public charging station for electric vehicles in Lusaka. Photo: Xinhua

According to Mr Chama, Subilo Energy plans to install around 10 public charging stations in Lusaka in the coming years, and then expand to other towns and cities in Zambia. "Zambia and other African countries are home to millions of petrol-powered vehicles, which release tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere every day, contributing to global warming and extreme weather patterns. Having more EVs than petrol-powered cars on the road can help address these challenges," Mr Chama stressed.

Jonathan Mulinda, a Lusaka resident who owns a hybrid car, told Xinhua that he has been using Subilo Energy's public charging station for about four months now and the experience has been great. Meanwhile, Mulinda, another Lusaka resident, appreciated Subilo Energy's idea. "I also care about the environment. I know buying a hybrid car and an EV is a bit more expensive, but in the long run, it's totally worth it. It only costs me 9.5ZMW (about 0.49 USD) to charge my EV and I can travel 70km. Meanwhile, with a gasoline-powered car, it costs me 125ZMW," Mulinda said.

VINH AN