Addis Ababa, January 1, 2025 (FMC) – The Ministry of Transport and Logistics of Ethiopia (MoTL) has announced that efforts are underway to expand the availability of electric vehicles in various Ethiopian cities.
So far, Addis Ababa and Gondar city administrations have already implemented electric vehicles for public transportation. State Minister for Transport and Logistics, Mr. Ber’o Hasen, informed Fana Media Corporation about the installation of EV charger stations in Dire-Dawa, Harer, and Jigjiga to further enhance the presence of electric vehicles in the roads of these cities.
With currently 1.5 million fuel-powered vehicles in Ethiopia, the State Minister expressed the desire and plans to transition fuel-powered public, government, and taxi vehicles to electric ones. Ber’o further revealed the plan to replace 432,000 gas-powered vehicles with electric vehicles in 10 years, adding that in the past two and a half years, up to 100,000 electric vehicles have been put into operation nationwide.
After the country’s political reform in mid-2018, many EVs have been brought into the country as a result of the government’s tax incentives for electric vehicles. The government’s tax breaks for importing EVs is anticipated to assist in boosting investor interest, enhance the country’s supply of renewable energy, and reduce pollution.
The Ethiopian government has promoted the adoption of electric vehicles as part of a larger campaign to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossil fuels. The government is also developing different EV infrastructures to accommodate the increasing demand for EVs in the country.
EVs have the ability to lower urban air pollution because the adoption of EVs may dramatically reduce air pollution in metropolitan areas, therefore benefiting public health and quality of life. They are also noted for having lesser greenhouse gas emissions. As Ethiopia increases its renewable energy production, the carbon footprint of EVs can be reduced, making them a cleaner option to regular automobiles.