TotalEnergies has begun rolling out electric vehicle (EV) charging points in Kenya, marking a shift by the fuel retailer into the country’s emerging e-mobility space.
The company, long known for its petrol and diesel forecourts across major towns, is adding charging infrastructure at selected service stations as part of a broader plan to support cleaner transport options. The move positions the firm among the first traditional fuel marketers in Kenya to blend conventional refuelling with EV power supply on the same premises.
Industry observers say the decision reflects changing mobility trends, as more motorists and fleet operators explore electric options amid rising fuel costs and growing environmental awareness. By leveraging its existing nationwide station network, the company can offer drivers convenient access to charging without requiring entirely new sites.
The chargers are expected to serve both private EV owners and commercial operators such as delivery fleets and ride-hailing drivers who are gradually testing electric models for urban routes. Locating the units at familiar forecourts also addresses a key concern for potential buyers: where to reliably recharge.
Company officials indicate that the project will start with pilot locations before expanding to other high-traffic stations depending on uptake. The initial phase focuses on urban centres where EV adoption is slowly gaining traction and where dwell time at stations can accommodate charging sessions.
The investment aligns with the firm’s global strategy to diversify beyond fossil fuels and grow its presence in electricity and renewables. In Kenya, the push into EV charging comes as policymakers and private investors show increasing interest in green transport solutions to cut emissions and reduce fuel import bills.
Analysts note that while Kenya’s EV market is still small, early infrastructure development could accelerate adoption by removing one of the main barriers to ownership. If successful, the model may encourage other fuel retailers to follow suit, gradually transforming the look and function of traditional filling stations.
For motorists, the change signals the start of a new era where refuelling stops may soon include plugging in rather than filling up.
