ChargePoint & Green Africa Tec: Drive EV Charging & Energy
The EV revolution continues to gain momentum, driven by advances in charging technology and a shift towards renewable energy. As global EV adoption accelerates, industry leaders are developing innovative solutions to address charging challenges and reduce carbon emissions.
ChargePoint and Africa Green Tec are two innovative companies addressing different aspects of sustainability and technology in their respective markets.
ChargePoint, founded in 2007, is a leading EV infrastructure company that operates the largest online network of independently owned EV charging stations in 14 countries.
Africa GreenTec is a German social enterprise founded in 2015 that provides sustainable energy solutions to empower communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Its flagship product is the Solartainer, a powerful solar-powered container that brings electricity to rural off-grid regions. Africa Green Tec's holistic approach includes intelligent grid systems, pre-paid tariff models and data analysis capabilities.
It aims to supply clean, reliable electricity to three million people by 2030, focusing on countries such as Mali, Madagascar, Niger, Chad and Senegal. Africa GreenTec's impact-driven model ensures economic self-sufficiency while addressing social and environmental challenges. Their efforts have already electrified more than 20 villages, benefiting more than 60,000 people and supporting nearly 1,000 small entrepreneurs.
The growing role of renewable energy in EV charging
EVs offer a clear advantage over traditional fuel-powered vehicles by eliminating tailpipe emissions. However, the overall carbon footprint depends on the manufacturing process and how the electricity used to charge them is generated.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), EV sales are expected to rise significantly in the coming years, increasing demand for renewable energy. The agency predicts that by 2035, EVs will account for between 6% and 8% of global electricity demand. At the same time, the share of renewables in electricity generation is projected to reach 43% by 2030.
Transport contributes more than 15% of global energy-related emissions, so the industry is under pressure to become more sustainable. Renewable energy integration is now a key focus and companies in the EV sector are working to minimise their environmental impact.
ChargePoint's commitment to sustainable EV charging
ChargePoint has helped prevent 3.2 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and is the first EV charging provider to earn ENERGY STAR certification for energy efficiency.
Beyond reducing emissions from transport, ChargePoint is leveraging its network of more than 100,000 EV chargers to support global sustainability projects. Through the aggregation of carbon credits, it is funding initiatives that extend the benefits of clean energy to communities in need.
"We're all in on electric mobility to build a brighter future for all of us."
Renewable Energy Transformation in Senegal
ChargePoint's impact goes beyond the road. In collaboration with Africa GreenTec, the company has financed a renewable energy project in Keur Niangane, Senegal. The initiative has replaced diesel generators with solar-powered electricity, improving the lives of more than 1,000 people in the rural community.
The project's heart is Solartainer, a mobile solar power plant with integrated energy storage. Additional photovoltaic panels and energy storage systems ensure reliable electricity access. The project includes the installation of 55 solar-powered streetlights, 4,860 metres of electrical cabling and 119 utility poles, creating a robust and sustainable energy infrastructure.
Rick Wilmer, President and CEO of ChargePoint, emphasised the company's commitment to making a difference:
"At ChargePoint, we believe in the power of technology to create a cleaner, more sustainable future for all. This project is already making a significant difference, particularly in the lives of women and children in this community and we're proud to contribute to such a meaningful change. We will continue to drive positive environmental and social impact as two of our core values."
The social and economic impact
The partnership between ChargePoint and Africa GreenTec has transformed daily life in Keur Niangane.
- Improving education: Children can study safely at night under reliable lighting.
- Enhancing security: Solar-powered streetlights make it safer for women to travel after dark.
- Economic growth: Businesses can now extend operating hours, supporting local entrepreneurship.
Wolfgang Rams, CEO of Africa GreenTec, highlighted the importance of collaboration in advancing sustainable energy solutions:
"Our strong international partnerships are the key to sustainable rural electrification in sub-Saharan Africa. ChargePoint is one of these important partners.
"At a time when sustainable and international development is low on the political agenda, it is even more important for the private sector to work together to achieve big goals.
"A great example of the positive impact of collaboration is the electrification of the community of Keur Niangane in Senegal, which will empower many people."
Breaking down EV charging barrier
ChargePoint is addressing the challenges of EV charging accessibility, particularly in urban areas. Joe Gorman, Interim Vice President of Europe at ChargePoint, explained the obstacles facing EV adoption in multi-family housing:
"Battery EVs secured a record market share of 19.6% in 2024. Yet, this fell short of the Government's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate target, which required 22% of all vehicles registered to be zero emission.
"To bridge this gap, facilitating charging near home is essential, as drivers often prioritise the convenience of charging in their buying decision."
Beyond residential charging, ChargePoint is making strides in commercial fleet electrification. It has launched its megawatt charging system, capable of delivering up to 3MW of power—enough to run Wembley Stadium. The innovation aims to accelerate the electrification of heavy-duty transport.
Hossein Kazemi, CTO for Hardware at ChargePoint, described the significance of the technology:
"Megawatt technology is the first step toward electrifying the commercial trucking industry.
"Megawatt charging solves half of the electrification equation for trucking. The companies developing electric trucks can now leverage the infrastructure to test and enable their vehicles until they meet—or even exceed—the distances covered by internal combustion trucks."
As the EV industry evolves, companies like ChargePoint play a crucial role in overcoming infrastructure challenges and driving the transition to cleaner transport. By combining sustainable charging solutions with innovative technology, the sector is moving closer to a future where EVs are not only more accessible but powered by greener, more efficient energy sources.
With ongoing investment in charging infrastructure and renewable energy, the path towards a zero-emission future is becoming clearer.
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