As Zimbabwe moves toward embracing electric mobility, the Minister of Energy and Power development after Consultation with the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority, on the 31st of July 2026, promulgated the Electricity (Electric Vehicle Charging Station Safety) Regulations, 2026 (Statutory Instrument 120 of 2026). The regulations come at an opportune time as Zimbabwe has witnessed a steady rise in the importation and introduction of electric vehicles (EVs), driven by global shifts toward cleaner transport and demand for sustainable mobility.
With more EVs entering the market, the need for safe, reliable, and standardized charging infrastructure has become urgent. These regulations provide a framework to protect users, ensure compatibility with the national grid, and align Zimbabwe with international best practices to safeguard users, protect infrastructure, and align with international standards.
These regulations impose obligations on every stakeholder in the EV charging ecosystem, from importers and retailers to installers and operators of EV charging systems. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key features of the regulations that they must pay attention to in order to remain compliant and avoid penalties:
1. Definition of Terms
The Regulations contain an interpretation section which defines certain key terms and phrases used throughout the instrument. For ease of reference and clarity, the meaning of those terms have been summarised as follows:
(a) Alternating Current : A type of electrical current where the direction of electron flow reverses periodically, measured in cycles.
(b) Consignment‑Based Conformity Assessment: A process to ensure that goods imported into Zimbabwe comply with national standards, international standards, and technical regulations before being placed on the market.
(c) Direct Current: An electric current that flows continuously in one direction.
(d) Electric Vehicle (EV): A vehicle powered by one or more electric motors rather than an internal combustion engine.
(e) Electric Vehicle Charging Station: A power supply device that provides AC or DC electricity for recharging plug‑in electric vehicles.
(f) Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE): The equipment and electrical components used to charge EVs at a fixed location. This excludes on‑board chargers located inside the vehicle itself
(g) International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC): The global standards body responsible for developing and maintaining technical standards in the field of electro‑technology.
(h) Minimum Energy Performance Standards: The baseline energy efficiency requirements that EV charging stations must meet before they can be imported, sold, or used in Zimbabwe.
(i) Open Charge Point Protocol : A communication protocol that allows EV charging stations to connect and interact with central management systems or charging networks.
(j) Residual Current Device: A protective device that detects fault currents (including in the absence of neutral) and disconnects the supply to prevent electric shock.
(i) TN‑C‑S (MEN) : A specific earthing system arrangement for low‑voltage networks designed to protect people and property from electrical hazards.
(ii) ZWS (Zimbabwe Standard): National standards issued by the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) governing technical and safety requirements.
2. Scope and Purpose
The regulations apply broadly to all parties involved in the electric vehicle (EV) charging ecosystem, including importers, retailers, contractors, installers, and owners. By covering every stage from importation and sale to installation and operation, the framework ensures that no link in the chain is left unregulated.
Their central objective is to promote electrical safety and reliability in both the installation and day‑to‑day usage of EV charging stations. This means protecting users from electrical hazards, safeguarding property, and preventing practices that could destabilize Zimbabwe’s national grid. In effect, the regulations establish a unified standard that stakeholders must follow to guarantee that EV charging infrastructure is safe, efficient, and aligned with international best practices.
3. Compliance with Laws and Standards – Sec. 5
(a) In terms of section 5 of the Regulations, all EV charging stations must meet both Zimbabwean safety laws and internationally recognized standards (IEC, UL, and SAZ/ZWS). This ensures that equipment is safe, reliable, and compatible with the national grid.
(b) The Regulations outline some key technical Requirements that every charging station must include as follows;
(i) Dedicated sub‑circuits: Each charging point must have its own circuit to prevent overloads.
(ii) Voltage‑independent residual current devices (RCDs): which is a safety switch that quickly cuts off electricity if it detects a leakage current.
(iii) Earth continuity monitoring systems: They disconnect supply if the earthing connection fails, with a fail‑safe design.
(iv) Overload protection: Safeguards for both incoming supply and charging fittings.
(v) Minimum mounting height : Socket outlets for Mode 3 or Mode 4 charging must be installed at least 800 mm above ground level to reduce risk of water damage or accidental contact.
(vi) Supply compatibility: Stations must operate at Zimbabwe’s standard low voltage and nominal frequency of 50 Hz.
(c) These requirements are designed to protect users from electrical hazards, prevent fires or equipment damage, and ensure that charging stations integrate safely with Zimbabwe’s electricity grid. Non‑compliance is a criminal offence, punishable by fine up to level five an / imprisonment not exceeding 6 months.
4. Charging Station Setup – Sec. 6
(a) Grid Compatibility: Stations must be designed for Zimbabwe’s electricity distribution network and meet power quality requirements.
(b) Automatic Protective Settings: Chargers must include settings that protect both the user’s installation and the wider grid.
(c) Commercial Installations: where the charging station is to be connected on the distribution network for commercial purposes, operators must notify the distribution network operator , which will assess the impact on the electricity system.
Safety Measures
To protect users and equipment, every EV charging station must meet the following requirements:
(a) Outdoor stations must be built to at least IP65 standard, meaning they are dust‑tight and resistant to water jets.
(b) Any part carrying electricity must be properly covered or enclosed so people cannot accidentally touch it.
(c) Chargers must prevent electricity from flowing back from the vehicle into the grid in an uncontrolled way.
(d) Chargers must include safeguards against battery overvoltage or overloading.
(e) A charging point must only switch on (energise) once it is securely connected to a vehicle, never before
5. Periodic Assessments – Sec. 7
(a) Every station must be inspected within one year of installation and annually thereafter.
(b) Stations must be taken out of service if inspections are overdue, if found unsafe, or if an electric shock incident occurs.
(c) Operators must keep inspection records for five years and provide them to the Authority within ten working days upon request.
(d) Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) must support accurate billing, metering, and upgrades for smart‑grid integration via OCPP ( Open Charge Point Protocol).
(e) Breaches attract fines or imprisonment.
6. Electrical Safety for Users – Sec. 8
6.1 Prohibited Practices:
(a) Using unapproved adaptors or extension leads.
(b) Charging multiple vehicles from one socket.
(c) Using incompatible EVSE.
(d) Connecting multiple points to one vehicle.
7. Electricity Sources Integration – Sec. 9
Where an EV charging station is designed to operate using more than two electricity source, for example, grid supply, solar power, and a backup generator, the regulations require that these sources be integrated in a safe and controlled manner. All sources must be connected through a properly installed changeover switch. The switch must provide a visible indication of which source is currently supplying power to the charging station (e.g., “Grid,” “Solar,” or “Generator”).
8. Conformity Requirements – Sec. 10
8.1 International Standards: Importers and manufacturers must ensure equipment conforms to IEC and ISO standards, including:
(a) IEC 61851 ( Electric Vehicle conductive charging system).
(b) IEC 62196 (plugs and connectors).
(c) ISO/IEC 15118 (communication protocols between an electric vehicle and the charging station).
(d) IEC 61000 (electromagnetic compatibility).
9. Signage and Information – Sec. 11
(a) All non‑residential electronic vehicle stations must display signage reserving parking for EVs.
(b) Information Displayed: Outlet options, voltage/amperage levels , usage fees, and safety instructions must be clearly posted.
10. Enforcement Powers – Sec. 12
(a) The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has the power to inspect, remove, and test charging stations to enforce compliance. Operators are required to maintain documentation and ensure stations are always compliant to avoid enforcement action.
11. Conclusion
The Electricity (Electric Vehicle Charging Station Safety) Regulations, 2026 establish a robust framework to ensure that Zimbabwe’s transition to electric mobility is safe, reliable, and internationally aligned. Compliance is not optional; it is a legal duty backed by criminal sanctions. For stakeholders, the message is clear: invest in proper equipment, follow standards, maintain records, and prioritise safety.
For assistance with matters relating to Energy and Infrastructure Development Law, including energy projects, power purchase agreements, renewable energy, infrastructure development, construction and engineering contracts, project finance, public-private partnerships (PPPs), procurement, regulatory compliance and related dispute resolution, kindly contact our Energy & Infrastructure Development Practice Group on info@mmmlawfirm.co.zw.
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