A Heterogeneous but Converging Regional Market
The Indian Ocean does not constitute a unified market for EVCI. Each territory follows its own trajectory, influenced by its political status, energy mix and level of economic development. However, a common trend is emerging in 2024: the acceleration of public policies in favour of electric mobility, driven by international climate pressure and commitments made at COP28 in Dubai.
Réunion: The Most Mature Market in the Region
As a French overseas department and region, Réunion benefits from the full European and French regulatory framework for EVCI. The AFIR directive (Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation), which came into effect in April 2024, requires charging points every 60 km on main routes, which, on an island of 2,500 km², translates into a very dense network.
The PRERURE 2030 (Réunion Regional Energy Plan) sets a target of 50,000 EVs in circulation by 2030 and provides for calls for tenders for the deployment of 2,000 additional public charging stations between 2024 and 2026. ADVENIR subsidies and ADEME grants are accessible to operators, significantly improving project profitability.
Mauritius: Framework Under Construction, Immediate Opportunities
Mauritius adopted its Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Policy in March 2024, a text that defines for the first time the technical standards (Type 2 / CCS mandatory for new installations), obligations for property developers (mandatory pre-wiring in new buildings with more than 10 dwellings) and the licensing framework for charging operators.
This regulatory framework, although still incomplete (no roaming between operators, no regulated pricing), constitutes a strong signal for investors. The first public call for tenders for 50 fast charging stations (50 kW DC) on the national road network is expected in Q3 2024.
Seychelles: The Most Ambitious Transition in the Region
The Seychelles has set the most ambitious target in the region: 100% electric vehicles for new registrations by 2030. With 99,000 inhabitants on 115 km², the density of the territory facilitates the deployment of a coherent network. In 2024, the Seychellois government is negotiating financing with the African Development Bank and the Green Climate Fund to fund 200 solar-powered charging stations by 2026.
Madagascar and Comoros: Longer-Term Markets
These two territories present infrastructural challenges (unreliable electricity grid, low urban density outside capitals) that limit short-term EVCI potential. Nevertheless, pilot projects are emerging in tourist areas (Nosy Be for Madagascar, Moroni for Comoros), often driven by hotel operators seeking to enhance their sustainable positioning.
Investment Opportunity Analysis
For an investor or EVCI operator entering the region in 2024, the optimal strategy consists of:
- Prioritising Réunion for an initial deployment, thanks to regulatory visibility and available grants.
- Positioning Mauritius as a second market, anticipating public tenders and forging partnerships with major real estate and hotel players.
- Monitoring the Seychelles for positioning on tenders financed by multilateral donors.
Typical returns on investment for a charging station in a dense urban area range between 6 and 10 years depending on utilisation levels and the pricing model. B2B (corporate fleets, hotels, parking managers) generally offers a faster ROI than B2C.