The price of fuel soared in Ethiopia earlier this year. Awgachew Seleshi decided to buy an electric car. His decision lined up with the government’s efforts to phase out gasoline-powered private vehicles.
Months later, Seleshi questions whether he made the right decision. Addis Ababa, the capital, has undependable electricity. And there’s a shortage of spare parts.
“Charging my car has been a challenge,” Seleshi says. “Spare parts that are imported from China are expensive. Few mechanics are able to fix such cars. And the resale value of such cars is poor.”
Seleshi’s troubles point to bigger challenges for Ethiopia. Earlier this month, the government raised the price of fuel. That was part of a plan to slowly end all fuel subsidies (government aid usually in the form of money) in the country.
Authorities claim some success in enforcing the ban on non-electric vehicles entering Ethiopia.
Meanwhile, more than 100,000 electric vehicles (EVs) roll into the country each month. The government hopes to increase that number to 500,000 by 2030. By that time, a large new dam Ethiopia built on the Nile River could be producing electricity at full power.
For now, many in Addis Ababa, a city of more than five million people, are doubtful the country can achieve its grand goals without better infrastructure and services.
The few garage owners who can repair EVs say they’re overwhelmed. Customers say without competition, they’re being overcharged for services.
“There are two or three garages that can fix new energy vehicles in Ethiopia,” says mechanic Yonas Tadelle. “And many consumers lack awareness on how to take care of such vehicles.”
Bareo Hassen Bareo is Ethiopia’s minister in charge of transport. He believes the country can be a model nation with a green economy legacy. He says making EVs a priority is key.
The government will invest in public charging stations. Bareo also says there are plans to create a local plant manufacturing EV batteries.
But on the street, some Ethiopians are already giving up on EVs. The secondhand trade in gasoline-powered vehicles continues.
Taxi driver Dereje Hailu had high hopes for his Chinese-made electric vehicle. He purchased it earlier this year. But the problems of EV tech in his country dashed his hopes.
“With such a car,” he says, “I fear I might be stuck if I go far from Addis Ababa where there are no charging stations.”
The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. — Proverbs 21:5
