Algeria's Sonelgaz to Ship 250 EV Chargers to Italy
Algeria's state utility Sonelgaz, through its equipment subsidiary SAIEG, plans to send 250 electric vehicle chargers to Italy by late October or early November. The order follows an earlier shipment of 200 chargers to Portugal and is part of Algeria's effort to broaden exports beyond oil and gas. SAIEG chief Youcef Defdaf announced the plan in Algiers, according to the state news agency APS.
SAIEG, Sonelgaz’s manufacturing subsidiary, disclosed the Italian shipment during Kahraba Expo 2026 in Algiers, a power and renewables fair. The 250 units are part of signed charger contracts totaling 450; 200 already went to Portugal. No contract values were released.
SAIEG also has export commitments for gas turbine blades and a five-year arrangement with an unnamed US company for 50 sets of electrical equipment, delivered 10 annually. Sonelgaz runs Algeria’s national electricity and gas grid. Italy already buys Algerian gas through Transmed.
The shipment could signal a small opening for Algerian manufacturing beyond hydrocarbons, potentially supporting jobs and technical skills at SAIEG and related suppliers. Italian drivers and charging operators may see additional equipment options, while European charger makers could face modest competition. Because Sonelgaz and SAIEG are state-owned, US investors have no direct listed exposure. The impact may remain limited unless such orders grow and are followed by named customers, contract values, and repeat demand.