ADDIS ABABA, Sep 12 (Alliance News): Amid rising fuel shortages and price spikes in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, many residents are turning to electric vehicles (EVs) as a solution.
Drivers like Mikial Belayneh, who uses an EV, avoid long lines at gas stations, opting to charge their vehicles at home.
His experience highlights Ethiopia’s growing EV transition, which is central to the government’s efforts to reduce poverty and promote cleaner energy.
With around 100,000 EVs already on the roads, the Ethiopian government projects that number will quadruple by 2032. In a groundbreaking move, the country banned gas-powered passenger vehicle imports earlier this year, slashing import taxes for EVs to just 15% and encouraging local manufacturing.
The government’s push towards EVs is supported by the fact that 96% of Ethiopia’s electricity comes from clean hydropower, reducing reliance on costly fuel imports.
Despite the high cost of EVs, especially for middle-income groups, the Ethiopian government is committed to expanding the use of electric vehicles and investing in electric public transportation to ensure more widespread accessibility.
