MERA eyes EV charging stations at selected filling stations

Malawi could soon see more electric vehicle charging points at selected filling stations as authorities move to prepare the country for a shift towards cleaner transport.

The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) says it will not require every fuel retail outlet to immediately install electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities.

MERA Public Relations Officer Fitina Khonje said the proposed revised Fuel Retail Outlet Guidelines will instead target selected outlets based on their location, traffic volumes, strategic importance and national energy policy objectives.

She said designated retail outlets in major cities and towns will be required to have at least one fast-charging station as part of a phased approach to supporting electric mobility.

“The intention is therefore to take a strategic and phased approach, rather than impose the same requirement on every retail outlet regardless of its location or the current level of EV demand,” said Khonje.

According to Khonje, the approach recognises that electric mobility remains an emerging sector in Malawi and will allow infrastructure to be developed where it is most needed while creating coverage for future growth.

Electric Vehicle in Malawi

The planned expansion will also increase pressure on electricity infrastructure, with reliable supply and adequate network capacity needed at locations selected for EV charging facilities.

The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM), which is responsible for procuring, transmitting, distributing and supplying electricity, is implementing projects aimed at improving grid reliability and expanding access.

The utility recently commissioned a 20MW/40MWh battery energy storage system at Kanengo, which is expected to strengthen grid stability and help manage electricity demand during peak periods.

Khonje said Malawi has already taken steps towards supporting electric mobility, including developing technical requirements for EV charging stations.

She said MERA approved three electric-motorcycle charging points in Lilongwe in 2024 after safety inspections and compliance monitoring.

The charging points were installed at TotalEnergies facilities at Gateway, Capital Hill and Kanengo.

The 2026 Annual Economic Report shows that Malawi has registered approximately 280 electric motorcycles and more than 30 electric vehicles, while four motorcycle charging stations have been constructed through a partnership involving SVG and TotalEnergies.

Khonje said the revised Guidelines will also place strong emphasis on safety, requiring EV charging facilities at fuel retail outlets to be electrically segregated from hazardous areas and comply with applicable electrical standards.

The facilities will also have to be protected against vehicle impact and fitted with appropriate safety signage.

Retail outlets will further be required to maintain fire and emergency controls, including fire extinguishers, emergency shutdown systems, warning signs and emergency contact information.

“An Emergency Shutdown System or Emergency Stop Button is mandatory,” said Khonje.

She explained that activating the system is intended to cut power to the forecourt, stop fuel dispensing and isolate electrical equipment to minimise the escalation of emergencies.

On consumer protection, Khonje said the current Guidelines do not establish a specific EV charging tariff.

She said it would therefore be premature to suggest that a pricing framework has already been determined.

According to Khonje, MERA and other relevant institutions will consider licensing, metering, consumer protection and pricing arrangements as the EV market develops.

She said the Guidelines do not set a specific national deadline for rolling out EV charging infrastructure, giving MERA flexibility to expand facilities according to demand and national priorities.

Khonje said major cities and towns have been identified as priority areas as Malawi gradually prepares for increased adoption of electric mobility.