African researchers are working hard to extend the distance covered by electric vehicles on one charge from 200 kilometers to 500 kilometers. The wider push has garnered momentum toward making e-mobility a reality across the continent, and Kenyan shores are at the epicenter of these efforts.
Africa e-Mobility Week 2024: A Platform for Change
The challenges are likely to be addressed during the third edition of the Africa e-Mobility Week 2024, which opens this Thursday in Nairobi. This, according to Warren Ondenje, the chief executive of the e-Mobility Alliance, would see the coming together of key stakeholders such as policy thinkers, industry players, innovators, investors, and the general public, among others, for discussions seeking to offer sustainable solutions as Africa takes centerstage in driving the future of green transport.
Stephen Nzioka, Director of Renewable Energy in the Energy Ministry, noted that a major impediment to the adoption of E-mobility was infrastructure. "There is lack of adequate charging infrastructure, and the capital investment required to set this up is very high," he said on Wednesday during a pre-event speech.
Despite these challenges, Nzioka said that there are still technological improvements being made, with even more solutions expected to come with Kenya's e-mobility policy for 2024. He reiterated further that the government was committed to ensuring a drive toward the e-mobility agenda.
Government Policy and Support for E-Mobility
Among the aspects of the strategy taken forward by Kenya are the recently introduced e-mobility tariffs. The energy regulator has set the tariff at KSh 16 per kWh for energy consumption up to 15,000 kWh during peak hours and KSh 8 per kWh during off-peak periods. Translated, that is approximately 12 US cents/kWh at peak and 6 US cents/kWh during off-peak. This is significantly lower than domestic and small commercial tariffs, hence cheaper in charging EVs.
Currently, Kenya has about 5,000 electric vehicles and motorcycles, numbers expected to rise with the latest policies anticipated to be implemented before the end of the year.
Political Will and Policy Shifts: The Case of Ethiopia
Michael Muchiri, head of Secretariat to the National Electric Mobility Taskforce, spoke to e-mobility political will. Muchiri used the example of Ethiopia, which passed a law banning the importation of certain fossil-fuel vehicles against international opposition but proved to be a blessing in disguise through steadfast government actions.
Muchiri further emphasized that there was a need to bring down the capital cost of electric vehicles, hence making them more accessible through better financing options. If Africa focuses on local manufacturing and data-driven policymaking, it may even emerge as a global trendsetter for electric mobility. This might also generate millions of jobs for the youths while protecting the environment.
The Future of E-Mobility in Africa
Solving the twin problems of range and charging infrastructure will mean that the future for e-mobility in Africa is bright. Greater local manufacturing capacity, better access to financing, and more supportive governments are combining to establish the continent as a leader in sustainable transportation.
The next important forum for discussing the next steps toward a greener, more mobile future for the continent will be the forthcoming Africa e-Mobility Week 2024.