Ethiopia’s Inaugural Electric Vehicle Expo Advances Green Mobility

Ethiopia hosted the Ethio-Green Mobility 2024 exhibition in Addis Ababa, showcasing electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. The event highlighted the government’s commitment to green mobility and reducing carbon emissions. With increasing demand for electric vehicles following a ban on gasoline-powered imports and local manufacturers participating in the market, Ethiopia aims to significantly increase EV usage in the coming decade.

Ethiopia recently hosted its inaugural green mobility exhibition, the Ethio-Green Mobility 2024, in Addis Ababa, from November 22 to November 25. This significant event is part of the nation’s broader initiative to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable transportation solutions. The exhibition featured advanced electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy technologies, acting as a crucial platform for networking among businesses in the green mobility sector.

During the event, Alemu Sime, the Ethiopian Minister of Transport and Logistics, emphasized the government’s commitment to reducing reliance on nonrenewable energy sources in the transport sector by tapping into the country’s abundant renewable energy resources. The exhibition attracted numerous Chinese exhibitors, indicating a burgeoning market for electric vehicles in Ethiopia following a governmental ban on gasoline-powered vehicle imports.

Li Xuan, representing Chinese EV brand Neta Auto, noted the rising demand for electric vehicles in Ethiopia due to this ban. Local manufacturers, such as Belayneh Kindie Metal Engineering Complex, showcased their products, including electric minibuses and coaches assembled from imported components. Sales figures indicate a strong interest in electric mobility, with over 216 minibuses sold in less than a year.

Additionally, electric bicycles and tricycles garnered attention at the exhibition. Local company Woda Vehicle Manufacturing PLC reported successful sales of electric tricycles, which offer substantial cost savings compared to conventional models. Presently, Ethiopia has more than 100,000 EVs operating on its roads, with aspirations to increase this number to 500,000 over the next decade, substantially reducing reliance on fuel-powered vehicles.

The Ethiopian government is actively working to boost EV production, establish public charging stations, and facilitate investments through policies such as tax incentives and free land allocation for service facilities. This proactive approach comes in light of rising global fuel prices and a focus on green energy, as articulated by attendees at the exhibition who expressed optimism regarding the affordability and appeal of electric vehicles in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia is making significant strides in adopting electric mobility as part of its strategy to combat climate change and promote sustainable transportation. This initiative aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition towards greener alternatives in the automotive sector. With an abundance of renewable energy resources, Ethiopia is well-positioned to support the growing electric vehicle market, particularly as it seeks to replace petrol and diesel vehicles with electric options to enhance energy independence and sustainability.

In conclusion, the first-ever Ethio-Green Mobility 2024 exhibition marks a pivotal moment for Ethiopia in its pursuit of sustainable transportation. The government’s commitment to expanding the electric vehicle market, coupled with favorable policies, signals a transformative shift towards greener mobility solutions. As demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, Ethiopia is poised to become a leading player in the green transport sector, reflecting broader global trends in environmental sustainability.

Original Source: english.news.cn