Electric Vehicles in Africa — what is the state now and the future?

An old colleague who lives and works out of North Africa offered to help with expanding Manta Ray EV in that continent.

I initially dismissed the idea as felt there was not enough EV adoption to make it work for a shared economy solution like Manta Ray EV. However there are many natural resources like wind, hydrogen and solar which can generate energy so it requires renewable energy investment, but Manta Ray EV can help governments reduce their public expenditure by sharing incentivised private chargers.

So I looked at Africa closer and this is what I found:

Electric Vehicles in Africa now

Electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging infrastructure are still relatively new to Africa, but there are several hot topics emerging in the region. Here are some of the current hot topics in EV charging in Africa:

1. The need for investment in charging infrastructure: One of the biggest challenges facing the adoption of EVs in Africa is the lack of charging infrastructure. Governments and private companies are beginning to invest in charging stations, but there is still a need for more investment to support the growth of the EV market.

2. The use of renewable energy for charging: There is increasing interest in using renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to charge EVs in Africa. This not only reduces the carbon footprint of EVs, but also helps to address the issue of limited access to grid electricity in some areas.

3. Public-private partnerships to support EV charging: Several public-private partnerships are emerging to support the growth of EV charging infrastructure in Africa. These partnerships bring together government agencies, private companies, and other stakeholders to invest in and support the development of charging stations.

4. The potential for EVs in public transportation: There is growing interest in the use of EVs in public transportation, particularly in urban areas. Electric buses, for example, can help to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in cities.

5. The impact of EVs on the power grid: As more EVs are introduced to the market, there is concern about the impact on the power grid. This includes issues such as peak demand and the need for upgrades to the grid infrastructure to support EV charging.

Overall, there is a growing awareness of the potential benefits of EVs and the need for investment in charging infrastructure in Africa. As the market for EVs continues to grow, these hot topics will likely continue to evolve and shape the future of EV charging in the region.

So what countries are leading the way?

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Africa is still relatively low compared to other regions, but there are some countries that are beginning to see an increase in EV adoption. Here are some examples of countries in Africa that are adopting EVs:

1. South Africa: South Africa is currently the leader in EV adoption in Africa, with several automakers offering EV models in the country. The government has also implemented incentives to encourage the adoption of EVs, such as tax rebates and exemptions from import duties.

2. Morocco: Morocco has also seen an increase in EV adoption, particularly in the commercial and public transportation sectors. The country is home to a major electric bus manufacturer and has implemented incentives for EVs, such as tax breaks and free parking.

3. Egypt: Egypt has recently introduced a plan to increase EV adoption in the country, with a goal of having 20% of all new cars sold in the country to be electric by 2030. The government has implemented incentives such as tax exemptions and subsidies for EVs.

4. Kenya: Kenya has seen a growing interest in EVs, particularly in the public transportation sector. The country has implemented incentives such as tax exemptions and reduced import duties for EVs.

5. Ghana: Ghana has recently introduced a policy to promote the use of electric motorcycles, with the goal of reducing air pollution and promoting sustainable transportation. The country is also exploring the use of electric buses and taxis.

Overall, while EV adoption in Africa is still in its early stages, there is a growing interest in EVs in several countries in the region. As the market for EVs continues to grow and governments implement policies to support EV adoption, it is likely that more countries in Africa will begin to adopt EVs.