Here’s how Kenya plans to boost uptake of electric vehicles

The Kenyan government has unveiled an ambitious strategy that aims to increase the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country. By 2025, the plan is for EV imports to represent 5% of the total number of vehicles registered in Kenya. This initiative is set to not only accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles but also revolutionize the automotive industry and promote sustainable development. Dr. Rebekah Shirley, Chief Research Officer at Power For All, highlighted the importance of electric mobility in Kenya and the broader East Africa region. She emphasized that the high cost of fuel-based transportation, which consumes a significant portion of residents' income, is a key driving factor behind the growing interest in smart mobility and electric vehicles. With African governments heavily subsidizing fuel prices to shield consumers from volatile fuel costs, the affordability and cost-effectiveness of electric vehicles have become more apparent. EVs are now recognized as a cheaper alternative over their lifetime compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. The decreasing upfront costs of EVs and their lower operational expenses contribute to this cost advantage. Dr. Shirley noted that the energy efficiency of EVs, converting about 90% of stored electric energy into motion, far surpasses the efficiency of conventional vehicles. Moreover, the environmental benefits of EVs, as zero-tailpipe-emission vehicles, position them as essential components of emission mitigation strategies. Dr. Shirley pointed out that electric mobility can significantly enhance local air quality, public health, and grid efficiency. By absorbing excess grid capacity, electric vehicles can help reduce electricity costs and address the pressing developmental challenge of access to affordable electricity across the continent. While the adoption of EVs in Africa is currently low, with Kenya having only around 350 EVs on the market and South Africa selling approximately one thousand EVs by the end of 2019, the public interest in electric mobility is rapidly growing. Countries like Rwanda are already making strides in the EV market, with initiatives such as Volkswagen's production of purely electric vehicles. Dr. Shirley underscored the need for policy support, such as reduced import taxes and duties, to bolster the EV market's growth. In terms of affordability, the cost of EVs is becoming more competitive due to innovations that are driving down battery costs, increasing energy density, and expanding charging options. The emergence of high-powered DC charging, various levels of AC charging, and battery swapping technologies is further lowering the total cost of electric vehicle ownership. Major global utilities are investing in charging infrastructure to make EVs more accessible and convenient for consumers. Dr. Shirley also highlighted the importance of substantial charging infrastructure investments in tandem with the decreasing upfront costs of EVs. However, several challenges must be addressed to facilitate the transition to green transportation in Africa. Grid readiness is a primary concern, as a reliable grid system is essential for supporting a robust EV fleet. High electricity costs, coupled with a lack of data on transit routes, vehicle use, and fuel consumption, pose additional challenges. The ethical sourcing of precious metals like lithium and cobalt for EV batteries and the management of e-waste are also critical issues that need to be addressed to ensure the sustainability of the EV industry. In conclusion, the shift towards electric mobility presents significant opportunities for Kenya and the continent at large. By leveraging the benefits of EVs, including cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and grid efficiency, African countries can drive sustainable development, improve air quality, and enhance energy access. Addressing the challenges ahead and fostering a supportive policy environment will be crucial to realizing the full potential of electric vehicles in Africa.