Ethiopia’s EV manufacturing is opportunity to tackle climate change crisis: Haile Gebre-Selassie

Addis Ababa, September 26, 2022 (FBC) – The legendary Ethiopian athlete, Haile Gebre-Selassie, says the commencement of electric vehicles manufacturing and assembling in Ethiopia is great opportunity to solve the climate change crisis.

The Ethiopian government has recently introduced a tax-free and low-tax incentive system to electric vehicles – an indication of its commitment to the development of the system.

Ethiopian retired long-distance track, road running athlete, and businessman, Haile Gebre-Selassie, said that the commencement of manufacturing of electric vehicles in Ethiopia to deal with the crisis caused by climate change is a good opportunity.

According to Haile Gebre-Selassie, the change in climate has created a good opportunity for countries that are trying to break away from oil dependence by manufacturing and assembling electric vehicles.

Air pollution is causing droughts, wildfires, flashfloods, disease and other crises in the world that are claiming lives of people, stated.

Haile explained that now the problem has worsened and created a crisis for them, even the developed countries have opted for the development of renewable energy.

He stressed that Ethiopia should exploit the opportunity created to make electric vehicles accessible by using its dam, wind, geothermal and other renewable energy capacities.

Electric vehicles not only save the country from spending foreign currency on fuel, but also avoid the large amount of money that individuals spend on fuel and the queues they face at gas stations.

His own company, according to Haile, Marathon Motors, realized the climate change crisis early and explained that it is assembling an electric car and providing the product.

He confirmed that he is pushing to develop the sector by expanding EV charging stations and collaborating with importers and manufacturers of electric vehicles.

“Now there is no other option but to use an electric vehicle”, Haile remarked during a forum held at Bahir Dar University, spearheaded by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics.

Haile commends Bahir Dar University’s development and implementation of curriculum on EV as an exemplary act for other universities.