ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND THE FUTURE OF AFRICAN COUNTRIES.

Electric vehicles(EV) are automobiles that are either partially or fully powered on electric power.

According to an article by CNN on EVs, it reveals that electric vehicles have been in existence since at least 1834, long before gasoline cars were invented.

The standard modern battery for electric vehicles is now considered to be lithium ion batteries as they have a greater longevity and are excellent at retaining energy. EVs have less moving parts that require maintenance as they run on low cost and also very eco friendly as they utilize little or no petrol or diesel according to TWI. Renault, Tesla, Nissan, BYD, BMW, Ford, Volkswagen, KIA and a few others are some companies noted to manufacture electric vehicles.

With the wheels being turned and the rise of Electric vehicles (EV), it’s inevitable that EVs will massively change the transportation landscape as they have rapidly taken over Europe and China. As many European counties are aiming to ban fossil fuel (petrol and diesel) cars by the year 2040, most African countries have not taken the grand step toward EV cars.

Electric cars may represent the future but most African countries and policy makers are not keen on putting their money behind the move even though the technology exists. Counties such as Rwanda, South Africa and others have taken the bold step and are making strides in the phase of electric vehicles.

Lack of infrastructure, being a major problem with most African countries is one critical factor why some African countries have not thought to give EVs a try. Charging infrastructure is crucial for EV trend and expansion. The undeniable demand for electricity in some African countries is a major hindrance to EVs since these vehicles run on electricity.

The cost of electric cars are no joke and this is a huge problem for the African continent as most African countries do
not have the capital needed to invest in EV. The obvious poverty rate of most African would not enable them to gain interest in electric vehicles.

For most people and myself, we believe that for Electric cars to have a future in Africa, there is a need for study and stable electricity as well as, well advanced infrastructures to accommodate electric vehicles. Also African policy makers must make it a point to clear all rickety fossil fuel cars from the system and negotiate with companies producing EVs in order invest in EVs and gain profit for the economy.