October 22, 2022

Egypt – Rules for EV Charging Stations are Released

The Egyptian Electric Utility & Consumer Protection Regulatory Agency (“Egypt ERA”) issued the rules (“Rules”) governing the operation of electric vehicles (“EV”) charging stations.

The Rules applies on EV charging stations connected to the electricity distribution grid. EgyptERA will be the competent authority to regulate the relationship between the distribution companies and the companies investing in EV charging stations. It will also issue the template contracts for the supply of electricity to the charging stations.

Electric Vehicle Charging Levels

The Rules sets three levels to charge EV based on the speed and power. The tier system starts with the lowest charging at Level 1 and gests faster from there:

Level 1 EV Charger TypeAC Slow Charging with a capacity not exceeding 7.2 kW for one point
Level 2 EV Charger TypeAC Fast Charging with a capacity more than 7.2 kw and not exceeding 22 kw for one point
Level 3 EV charger typeDC Fast Charging with capacities more than 22 kW for one point.

Distribution Companies

Distribution companies are prohibited from working on the EV charging business.
Distribution companies licensed to supply electricity to EV charging stations are required to:

  • Abide by the tariff issued by the Minister of Electricity.
  • Install separate smart metering system for electricity supplied to EV charging stations.
  • Study applications submitted by EV charging stations for the supply of electricity and connection to the grid and issue the preliminary approval within 30 days.

Licensing of EV Charging Stations

In order to be licensed to develop and operate EV charging stations, the developer must establish a joint stock company with a minimum capital of EGP 10 million (around US$ 500,000). This minimum capital requirement must be fully paid within three years from establishing the company.

EgyptERA is the competent authority to issue the permits for the construction of the EV charging stations as well as the operation license. In all cases, the maximum capacity for one station will not exceed 500 kV*A.

The operation license will be issued for five years for the purpose of establishing a minimum number of 250 stations with 50 station each year or 150 charging point per year. A minimum of 10% of the stations or the charging points must be of Level 3 Charger Type.

The licensing process starts with the investor preparing an installation and expansion plan for the charging stations during the five years license period. The plan will be submitted to EgyptERA for approval and then to the distribution company to agree on the geographical locations of the stations and estimate the connection cost.

Within 30 days from the issuance of the construction permit by EgyptERA, the investor will pay the estimated connection cost to the distribution company and sign with it the connection agreement and electricity supply contracts. EgyptERA will issue the operation license upon completion of the construction of the first charging station, and the station will be connected to the distribution gird once the operation license is issued.

Developers and Operators of EV Charging Stations

Developers and operators of EV charging stations are required by the rules to:

  • Ensure a 24/7 customer service.
  • Provide EgyptERA with information about the company and its customers upon request. EgyptERA is not allowed to use this information except for the purpose of carrying out its mandates.
  • Abide by the European IEC safety standards.
  • Have a plan for the safe decommissioning and disposal of the charging stations that is compatible with the applicable environmental rules.
  • Not to apply any modifications on the charging station without the prior approval of the distribution company.

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