Electric vehicle energy storage in west africa

Are electric vehicles a viable alternative to electricity in Africa?

Hybrid vehicles are the most common EV in Africa. But only six countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have the potential for wide-scale electric vehicle deployment. Renewable energy is the most viable alternative to broaden electricity access and EV deployment across Africa.

Are EVs economically feasible in Africa?

In terms of economic feasibility, a study concluded that owning an EV will cost 13.5% more compared with conventional gasoline-fueled vehicles in Ghana ( Ayetor et al., 2020 ). The preceding studies elucidate the advancement of the knowledge frontier in EV research from the perspective of African countries.

Which countries have good electricity access for vehicle electrification?

All the five North African countries have good electricity access for vehicle electrification. In Sub-Saharan Africa, only South Africa, Ghana, Cape Verde, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Eswatini have the potential for wide-scale electric vehicle deployment.

Are EVs the future of Transportation in Africa?

African countries, endowed with clean energy resources—making up 30% of electricity generation in 2019, and projected to rise to nearly half by 2040 3, 4 — are incentivized to electrify transportation. EVs offer a promising avenue to reducing reliance on imported fuel and carbon-intensive technologies.

Can South Africa achieve net-zero emissions with electric vehicles?

Not a lot of research has been conducted on the subject relative to African countries. Much of the research in South Africa has concluded that its national energy mix makes it difficult to achieve net-zero emissions with electric vehicles. This is because about 91% of South Africa’s energy generation comes from either thermal sources or coal.

Are electric vehicles a problem in Africa?

African governments have not done much to reduce taxes on electric vehicle imports. In most countries, taxes on EVs are even more than those on conventional vehicles. Coupled with no incentives, a lack of charging infrastructure, and a lack of engagement with industry, the effort to electric vehicle transition in Africa is quite abysmal.