In sub-Saharan Africa, air pollution from vehicle emissions poses severe health risks, stunting development and leading to premature deaths. Particulate matter (PM2.5), a byproduct of tailpipe emissions, significantly affects air quality, especially in densely populated urban areas. While electric vehicles (EVs) offer a promising solution to these issues and the broader problem of climate change, their adoption in the region has been sluggish. For instance, by 2022, South Africa Africa’s largest economy had fewer than 1,000 electric vehicles.
As transport engineers specializing in electric vehicles and road freight in the region, we have observed the potential of EVs in reducing emissions and enhancing sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa. However, a range of challenges hampers progress toward widespread EV adoption. Key barriers include high upfront costs, limited vehicle range, slow battery charging times, and inconsistent access to clean electricity.
Barriers to EV Adoption
The cost of electric vehicles remains a critical issue. Sub-Saharan Africa has a large market for second-hand vehicles, imported primarily from developed nations. The high cost of new EVs, coupled with limited range and slow charging speeds, discourages both private buyers and businesses from investing in this technology, especially for long-distance and frequent travel needs.
Additionally, the region’s energy infrastructure is underdeveloped and heavily reliant on fossil fuels. With just over half of all electricity generated from coal, oil, and gas, EVs charged using this grid would have a marginal impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning to EVs, therefore, demands significant investment in renewable energy to ensure a reliable, green energy supply for vehicles.
The Promise of Electric Mobility
Some African countries are making strides. The rollout of electric motorcycles and small public transport vehicles has started, a promising development for urban areas where traffic congestion and pollution are most severe. If local production of EVs and components can be established using renewable energy sources, there could be substantial economic benefits for the region. Setting up local EV industries would create jobs, reduce dependency on imported second-hand vehicles, and improve air quality.
South Africa leads the region with a relatively high ratio of charging stations to EVs, with one charging station for every five electric cars, compared to the UK’s one for every 20. However, to be effective, these stations must deliver reliable, renewable energy. This requires large battery systems for energy storage, a technology that is still evolving.
The Complexities of Public and Freight Transport Electrification
Approximately 72% of the region’s passengers rely on informal public transportation. Known by various names such as matatus in Kenya and tro-tros in Ghana these minibuses, motorcycles, and three-wheelers form the backbone of urban transport. However, the decentralized and demand-driven nature of these services presents challenges for electrification. Careful planning and investment are necessary to provide suitable charging infrastructure without disrupting the sector’s operations.
Electrifying freight transport is also vital for economic growth. Moving goods across the region relies heavily on trucks, as rail infrastructure is inadequate. National and local governments must work together to develop high-powered, fast-charging stations along transport routes, capable of supporting the diverse needs of freight operators. However, the cost of building these facilities cannot fall solely on the private sector.
Currently, the region may need to embrace a hybrid model, combining electric and combustion-based engines, to meet transportation demands. Unlike a diesel minibus, which can travel 750 kilometers on a single fill-up, an electric minibus has a range of only about 21% of that distance and takes significantly longer to charge. Charging solutions such as range-extending mobile battery banks could offer some relief, but the associated costs may be prohibitive.
Building a Sustainable Local Industry
Sub-Saharan Africa has an opportunity to create a homegrown electric vehicle industry. Ethiopia recently banned the import of combustion vehicles, while Senegal’s Dakar launched Africa’s first all-electric mass rapid transit in 2023. South Africa’s Golden Arrow bus company also introduced 120 electric buses, and electric trucks are gaining a foothold in the country.
Developing a local EV industry could drive economic growth, as thousands of jobs in traditional combustion engine manufacturing could shift toward electric powertrains. The skills to produce components like batteries and electric motors already exist within Africa, and a regional EV industry would shield local markets from an influx of cheap EV imports that do little to stimulate job creation.
The Road Ahead
For sub-Saharan Africa, the path to electric mobility will require ambitious planning, infrastructure investment, and a focus on renewable energy sources. With an urgent need to meet Net Zero carbon targets by 2050, transitioning to electric vehicles must happen at a pace matching the rapid adoption of smartphones in the region. A well-supported shift to EVs will not only improve public health but also bolster economic resilience, making Africa a key player in the global push for sustainable mobility.
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