Electrical Vehicles in Ethiopia and the Charging Stations Infrastructure
All Electrical vehicle (EV) types share a common feature of using an electric motor, either partially or fully, instead of an internal combustion engine, . EVs use a large traction battery pack to power the electric motor and usually must be plugged in to a charging station, also called electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). Because it runs on electricity, Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) emit no exhaust from a tailpipe and do not contain the typical liquid fuel components, such as a fuel pump, fuel line, or fuel tank.
Electric motors have far fewer moving parts and never require oil changes, new spark plugs or fuel filters. EVs’ Regenerative braking system also extends the lifespan of brake pads by using the electric motor to decelerate the vehicle. This typically translates to lower overall maintenance costs and increased savings.
Types of Electric Vehicles
Types of Electric Vehicles
Plug-in electric vehicles (battery electric vehicles or BEVs)
These EVs are powered by a rechargeable battery. They have a range limited battery capacity . The speed of travel and terrain influence how far these cars can go between charges. Driving faster and climbing hills reduces their range.
Hybrid-electric vehicles
Hybrid vehicles have a combustion engine (usually gasoline) that both powers the vehicle, yet contain a battery that is charged during driving. Instead of plugging hybrid vehicles to a charging station, the battery gets power from the combustion engine, regenerative breaking or both, allowing it to consume less fuel.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)
Similar to hybrid vehicles, PHEVs run on either battery power or fossil fuels. The main difference is that the battery can be charged by plugging the vehicle into a charging station. They have a longer range than battery-only EVs, as they automatically switch between power sources during driving. Because they have two sources of power, they require more maintenance.
Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)
Instead of drawing energy from a battery, these less popular electric vehicles use fuel cells full of hydrogen gas. The fuel cell stack features electrodes that use both hydrogen and oxygen to generate the electricity that then powers the motor. FCEVs don’t emit carbon dioxide or other forms of pollutants, instead they emit water vapor.
Electrical Vehicles in Ethiopia
These EVs are powered by a rechargeable battery. They have a range limited battery capacity . The speed of travel and terrain influence how far these cars can go between charges. Driving faster and climbing hills reduces their range.
Hybrid-electric vehicles
Hybrid vehicles have a combustion engine (usually gasoline) that both powers the vehicle, yet contain a battery that is charged during driving. Instead of plugging hybrid vehicles to a charging station, the battery gets power from the combustion engine, regenerative breaking or both, allowing it to consume less fuel.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)
Similar to hybrid vehicles, PHEVs run on either battery power or fossil fuels. The main difference is that the battery can be charged by plugging the vehicle into a charging station. They have a longer range than battery-only EVs, as they automatically switch between power sources during driving. Because they have two sources of power, they require more maintenance.
Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)
Instead of drawing energy from a battery, these less popular electric vehicles use fuel cells full of hydrogen gas. The fuel cell stack features electrodes that use both hydrogen and oxygen to generate the electricity that then powers the motor. FCEVs don’t emit carbon dioxide or other forms of pollutants, instead they emit water vapor.
Electrical Vehicles in Ethiopia
Ethiopia is witnessing an evolution in its transportation sector. The electric vehicle market, a pivotal player in this transformation, is experiencing large growth supported by government policies favoring electrical vehicles.
Ethiopia reportedly had about 7,200 EVs out of 1.2 million cars plying its roads. The country’s Ministry of Finance reportedly exempted all electric vehicles from VAT, surtax, and excise tax. It went further to exempt completely knocked-down kits from customs duty tax, a step that encourages the local electrical vehicles assembly sector.
It is reported that Ethiopia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics’ 10-year plan intends to support the import of at least 4,800 electric buses and 148,000 electric automobiles in order to catalyze the adoption of electric vehicles in the country.
EV Opportunities in Ethiopia
Ethiopia is witnessing an evolution in its transportation sector. The electric vehicle market, a pivotal player in this transformation, is experiencing large growth supported by government policies favoring electrical vehicles.
Ethiopia reportedly had about 7,200 EVs out of 1.2 million cars plying its roads. The country’s Ministry of Finance reportedly exempted all electric vehicles from VAT, surtax, and excise tax. It went further to exempt completely knocked-down kits from customs duty tax, a step that encourages the local electrical vehicles assembly sector.
It is reported that Ethiopia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics’ 10-year plan intends to support the import of at least 4,800 electric buses and 148,000 electric automobiles in order to catalyze the adoption of electric vehicles in the country.
EV Opportunities in Ethiopia
EV adoption in Ethiopia has immense potential that would exceed the expectations of many. Although EV adoption in Ethiopia faces several challenges that need to be addressed to ease the EV transition on a large scale, with these challenges comes a unique set of opportunities that makes for a hopeful and bright future.
Economic development
The federal government has exempted the import and sale of electric vehicles from value-added or excise taxes, except for fully-assembled electric cars, which are still subject to a 15% customs duty. With the high cost of fossil fuel imports being a key factor driving the country to EV adoption, reducing fuel imports would save the local economy much of hard currency. Local EV industry development in Ethiopia can also contribute positively to the country’s economy and growth. EV assembly, manufacturing, maintenance and charging stations can create thousands of jobs for the population. A greener country
Many Ethiopian cities are dealing with problems like traffic congestion and air pollution. With a large portion of import vehicles being second hand that emit pollutants, EVs can offer a more viable solution. Moreover, the adoption of electric motorbikes can provide faster transportation.
Sustainable energy sources
Ethiopia is rich in renewable energy resources like solar energy and wind power. Leveraging these resources for sustainable electricity production, and in turn for EV charging, can create a synergy between clean energy production and EV adoption.
EV Challenges in Ethiopia
EVs in Ethiopia are paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future. However, the transition comes with its challenges, these include:
Infrastructure deficiency
Economic development
Sustainable energy sources
Ethiopia is rich in renewable energy resources like solar energy and wind power. Leveraging these resources for sustainable electricity production, and in turn for EV charging, can create a synergy between clean energy production and EV adoption.
EV Challenges in Ethiopia
EVs in Ethiopia are paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future. However, the transition comes with its challenges, these include:
Infrastructure deficiency
A primary hurdle for EV adoption in Ethiopia is the need for more infrastructures. From manufacturing facilities to charging stations, there are challenges in sourcing raw materials and manpower. EV owners in Ethiopia may suffer from range anxiety due to limited charging options in remote areas.
High initial costs
Although green EV start-ups in Ethiopia are trying to make purchasing EVs affordable for the general population, the initial cost of purchasing an EV still remains high.
Energy accessibility
In many areas in Ethiopia, access to reliable and affordable electricity still remains a challenge. There are frequent power cuts, outages and voltage fluctuations in several places that pose serious challenges for EV adoption.Charging Stations Solutions
High initial costs
Energy accessibility
