Addis Ababa launches initiative to replace old fuel cars with EVs

Addis Ababa, December 27, 2024 (FMC) – The City Administration of Addis Ababa has unveiled plans aimed at replacing older fuel-powered vehicles with electric cars as part of its environmental strategy.

Yabibal Addis, the Head of the Transport Bureau, emphasized that the initiative primarily targets aging fuel vehicles that significantly contribute to the city’s carbon emissions. He noted that this shift to electric vehicles aligns with the priorities of both the federal government and local administration, stressing its crucial role in reducing pollution and enhancing the transportation system.

The Ministry of Transport and Logistics has revealed that a draft national strategy for promoting the adoption of electric vehicles is currently under development, with implementation anticipated soon after gathering feedback from relevant stakeholders and receiving final approval.

Bareo Hassen, the State Minister of Transport and Logistics, highlighted the government’s efforts to foster a conducive environment for both local and international companies involved in the import, production, and assembly of electric vehicles in Ethiopia.

The initiative to expand the use of electric vehicles, along with the necessary infrastructure, forms a core part of the country’s commitment to creating a sustainable and eco-friendly transportation system. Hassen called for the active involvement of all relevant parties in this important undertaking.

In line with the government’s vision for electric mobility, Ethiopia has already seen over 100,000 electric vehicles on its roads and aims to increase this number to 500,000 over the next decade, gradually replacing the majority of fossil-fuel-powered vehicles.

Ethiopia is also working to bolster domestic electric vehicle production and the establishment of public charging stations, providing various incentives to private investors, including free or leased land for after-sales service related to electric vehicles, as outlined by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics. This strategy not only seeks to reduce reliance on fossil fuels within the transport sector but also aims to leverage the nation’s abundant renewable energy resources in the expansion of electric vehicles.