Ethiopia has made a groundbreaking decision to become the first country in the world to ban the import of gas and diesel vehicles, mandating a transition to electric vehicles (EVs). This ambitious move, implemented in February, aims to reduce the country’s hefty fuel import bill, which stood at $7.6 billion in 2023. However, the swift policy change has left many Ethiopians struggling to keep up, with significant challenges in infrastructure and vehicle maintenance.
The Ethiopian government has introduced substantial incentives for EVs, including lower import duties compared to gas and diesel-powered cars. This has led many, like IT professional Araya Belete, to opt for electric models. Belete chose electric cars from China’s Kas Auto for his company, attracted by these incentives. However, he soon faced difficulties due to the lack of adequate charging infrastructure and the scarcity of spare parts.
“When one of the cars had a technical issue, I had to rely on YouTube videos for repairs because local mechanics were unfamiliar with the vehicle,” Belete explained. Additionally, the manual was in Mandarin, compounding the problem. Belete’s employer had to invest in installing charging points due to the insufficient public charging infrastructure in Addis Ababa.
Ethiopia’s infrastructure for supporting EVs is lagging significantly. With only about 50 charging stations across the country, many EV owners struggle to find reliable charging points. Rest of World reported that of the four government-owned charging stations, only two are currently functional. Efforts from companies like TotalEnergies, Green Tech Africa, and Haile Motors are helping, but the private sector’s involvement remains limited.
“From a consumer standpoint, is the country ready to support these EVs? No, there’s only a handful of chargers,” said Sam Rosmarin, an Addis Ababa-based climate entrepreneur and investor. The hope is that this policy will encourage private sector investment in EV infrastructure, but the lack of clear legislation and enforcement is a major hurdle.
Many EV owners are feeling the pinch. Meklit Mussie, an Addis Ababa resident, bought a Volkswagen ID4 electric car in December 2023. She has found it challenging to drive due to the scarcity of charging options and the difficulty in sourcing fast-charging cables locally. Meklit now shares her partner’s gas-powered car for daily commutes.
Others, like civil engineer Yohannes Zewge, are considering switching back to hybrid or fossil-fueled vehicles. “Finding reliable charging stations is almost impossible. The battery life declines quickly, and long road trips are limited,” Zewge shared.
The Ethiopian government acknowledges these challenges and is working to improve the situation. Senior climate change expert Yizengaw Yitayih from the Ministry of Transport and Logistics stated that the government is committed to expanding EV infrastructure, including in the capital and emerging cities. Ethiopia aims to have 150,000 EVs on the road by 2030, with a more ambitious target of 500,000 in the next decade. Currently, there are about 70,000 EVs in the country.
However, the inconsistent and unreliable electricity supply in Ethiopia complicates the situation further. Frequent power outages make charging EVs difficult, causing frustration among EV owners.
Ethiopia’s bold step towards EV adoption is commendable, aiming to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and foster a greener future. However, the rapid implementation of the policy has exposed significant gaps in infrastructure and readiness. While the government is taking steps to address these issues, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. For now, many Ethiopians are grappling with the practicalities of this transition, hoping for swift improvements in support and infrastructure to truly embrace the electric vehicle revolution.
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