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Electric Vehicles: Adaptation In Africa

It was unimaginable a decade ago that Electric Automobiles (EVs) could be a viable alternative to popular gas vehicles. They were primarily used for research and development at the time, and the handful that did make it onto the roads were so expensive that they were only available to the wealthy.

EVs are now sharing the road alongside conventional vehicles, thanks to technology developments, evolving policies, and the growing popularity of EV companies like Jet Motor Company. And it’s already being seen as the future of transportation in some areas.

EV adoption is fast gaining traction around the world, according to reports. Since 2015, adoption is thought to have surged by more than sixfold. Over 11 million electric vehicles, including cars, buses, vans, and lorries, were registered worldwide last year. By the end of the decade, this figure is expected to climb to 145 million.

CHALLENGES ELECTRIC VEHICLES FACE IN AFRICA

In most of Africa, electric vehicles are still uncommon; the chances of discovering one are roughly one in a million. Only 1,000 of the continent’s more than 12 million vehicles are electric vehicles in South Africa, which is regarded to be the continent’s largest EV market.

In most other African countries, even fewer electric automobiles are in use. This is due to the fact that used cars are the most popular. According to reports, Africa receives over 40% of global used vehicle exports. In Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia, the proportion is believed to be between 80 and 90 percent of total imported automobiles.

Poor Infrastructure – Roads, Electricity, Electric vehicles charger

Infrastructural obstacles such as inadequate energy networks, bad roads, and a lack of public E-chargers have slowed the adoption of electric vehicles in Africa.

While European networks have been able to cope with electric mobility, many African countries’ energy systems are already stressed. Frequent blackouts, which cut off access to transportation in several nations, may reduce customer desire for electric cars.

In Nigeria, for example, typical availability to energy is roughly 12 hours, yet the country has no public EV charging facilities.

Government Policies

This, however, is unlikely to alter very soon. Unlike in Europe, where government policies force automakers to embrace more environmentally friendly solutions such as electric vehicles, African governments are more permissive. Only one African country, Cape Verde, has made steps to phase out the sale of internal combustion engine vehicles. With an expiration date of 2035 set for such imports.

In comparison, comparable laws have been enacted in around 17 nations across Asia, Europe, and America. Furthermore, many governments have committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions as part of the SDGs.

Low Cost Of Living

The cost of electric vehicles has decreased dramatically over the years. Thanks to advancements in battery technology and large investments in EV businesses, making them more accessible.

Despite lowering battery costs and the promise of long-term savings from decreased gasoline and maintenance costs, the initial fees remain out of reach for the typical African.

The average cost of a new electric vehicle, according to Cox Automotive, is around $55,600. (N23M). This is significantly more than the average yearly wage of N2M earned by a Nigerian living in Lagos.

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