Mauritius has aggressively pursued the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) as a core pillar of its Sustainable Mobility strategy, aiming to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and meet its ambitious target of generating 60% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. However, the rapid increase in EV numbers—projected to reach 26,000 by 2030—is creating critical pressure points, primarily centered around the maturity and reliability of its EV Charging Infrastructure.

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The challenges are multifaceted, encompassing everything from technical limitations to economic disincentives, creating a complex landscape for the Mauritian EV driver.

Key Challenges and Technological Solutions

1. Range Anxiety and Limited Public Access

For a small island nation, Range Anxiety might seem counterintuitive, but the lack of a dense, easily navigable Public Charging Network remains a psychological barrier. Drivers fear long waits or charger unavailability, particularly on weekend trips.

  • Solution: The CEB (Central Electricity Board) has launched schemes to encourage corporate entities and service providers to install publicly accessible charging stations, often in partnership with traditional players like Vivo Energy. This increases network density at key locations like shopping centers and fuel stations.

2. Grid Stability and Capacity Constraints

Integrating a large number of charging points, particularly fast chargers, requires a robust and stable electrical grid. As the nation aims for 60% renewables, managing intermittent energy supply while handling EV load is a complex challenge to Grid Stability.

  • Solution: Investing in smart Intelligent Transport Systems and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at charging hubs. BESS can draw power when demand is low (off-peak) and release it rapidly for fast charging, mitigating spikes that strain the Grid Stability.

3. Charging Speed and Technology Interoperability

The existing public network often features slow AC charging, leading to long wait times. Furthermore, interoperability among various charging standards (Type 2, CCS, CHAdeMO) can confuse drivers.

  • Solution: Prioritize the deployment of Fast DC Chargers (50 kW and above) at strategic long-distance points, coupled with a national mandate for universal standards and payment platforms to ensure reliable driver experience.

4. High Upfront Vehicle Costs

Despite initial tax rebates, recent policy changes have made EVs more expensive. As of mid-2025, the removal of the Rs 200,000 rebate and the reintroduction of excise duties (up to 25% for high-power EVs) have reduced the cost advantage, potentially slowing down adoption and, consequently, infrastructure investment.

  • Solution: Government efforts must focus on supporting the development of a secondary EV market and ensuring that the operational Fuel Cost Mitigation (from not buying petrol) remains the primary long-term financial incentive, which relies on affordable electricity.

5. Cost-Effective Home Charging Solutions

The vast majority of charging will occur at home. Drivers need accessible and reliable residential charging solutions.

  • Solution: The CEB’s Time-of-Use Tariff is critical here. By charging cars at night (9 PM to 4 AM) at a rate that is significantly lower than peak hours, the tariff provides a massive financial incentive for home charging, easing daytime grid load and ensuring the EV Charging Infrastructure is used efficiently.

6. Maintenance and Technical Skills

Maintaining the charging equipment itself requires specialized skills, and a shortage of trained technicians could lead to high equipment downtime.

  • Solution: Invest in vocational training and certification programs for local electricians and engineers to ensure rapid, reliable repair and maintenance of the sophisticated EV Charging Infrastructure.

7. Congestion and Traffic Concerns

Ironically, the rise in EVs contributes to road congestion. The government’s justification for recent tax hikes was partly to manage vehicle numbers.

  • Solution: Sustainable Mobility must include better Public Transport and encouraging two-wheeler EV adoption, ensuring the electric transition doesn't simply replace petrol cars with electric ones in traffic jams. For private users seeking robust electric models, resources like Auto 24 remain useful.

Which solution do you believe is the most powerful tool for accelerating the EV Charging Infrastructure growth in Mauritius: the Time-of-Use Tariff for home charging, or the mandatory installation of BESS at public fast-charging stations to guarantee Grid Stability? Share your thoughts below!