Electric vehicles are getting prominence in policymaking worldwide. And they’re rightfully securing a central role in how governments plan to make transportation more sustainable. The Government of India, for instance, made EVs a crucial part of its transportation policy in the Union Budget 2022. And it’s a significant win is for us! Being one of the pioneers to introduce electric autos in the Indian subcontinent, it brings us great joy to know that the government is invested in bringing about a clean and green future for transportation.
Globally, deals on electric vehicles multiplied in 2021 as compared to 2020, reaching a record 6.3 million. In Europe, with the world’s top reception rate, one-fifth of vehicles sold in 2021 were electric, according to Bloomberg.
The cost of EVs is falling, and tens of trillions of dollars of venture capital are funding electric mobility businesses.
Moreover, the new battery swapping policy will allow companies to work with state governments and prove to be a catalyst toward the electrification of transport! According to several governments, the focus will be to work on incorporating clean technology and electric vehicles in the public transportation sector. Such an announcement makes it easier for companies in the EV space to invest in new technology, innovation, and work towards a shift to electric vehicles! We are also looking forward to widening the horizons of our operations in the beautiful country of India and the African continent.
The EV Reality in Africa
Electric vehicles stay uncommon most of Africa, its likelihood is around one in a million. In South Africa, which is believed to be the biggest EV market on the continent, just 1,000 out of 12 million vehicles on its streets are EVs.
Significantly fewer electric vehicles are in activity in most other African nations. It’s because the most well-known vehicles are recycled.
Reports assessed that around 40% of the worldwide products of pre-owned vehicles go to Africa. In Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia, it is noted that the extent comes to around 80-90% of total vehicles imported.
African Government Policies
Be that as it may, this probably won’t change soon. Dissimilar to Europe where government approaches are driving car markets to embrace more environmentally amicable choices like EVs, Africa’s legislatures are more relaxed.
Just a single African country, Cape Verde, has done whatever it may take to eliminate fuel-powered vehicles by focusing an end to imports of such vehicles by 2035.
In comparison, around 17 nations have made comparative regulations across Asia, Europe, and America. Likewise, a considerable number of nations promises to SDGs net-zero greenhouse gas emissions
A Local Solution to the EV Problem In Africa
In Africa, the revolution is just starting. Data about the EV revolution in Africa is scant. Nonetheless, it paints a grim picture. A few state-run governments have laid out big plans for the expansion — for job creation, to assist with metropolitan air contamination, and to facilitate the rollback of costly fuel subsidies. Kenya needs 5% of vehicle imports to be EVs by 2025 and is slicing EV import duties. Ghana, Rwanda, Seychelles, and Mauritius are also rolling-back import duties.
Egypt intends to produce 20,000 EVs locally each year beginning in 2023. Namibia needs 10,000 EVs on the streets by 2030; South Africa is going for 2.9 million by 2050.
Change is inevitable and with it comes the opportunity to improve the condition of the continent. This is where startups like MAuto come in.
We signed an agreement with PIA for our operations and to jump-start MAuto’s largest electric vehicle manufacturing unit in Africa in PIA Togo with the presence of Hon. Minister of Environment and Forest Resources Mr. Katari Foli-Bazi, Hon. Minister of Road, Rail and Air transport Mr. Affoh Atcha Dedji, Minister of Investment promotion Mme Rose Kayi Mivedo, and Minister of Commerce, Industry and Local Consumption Mr. Kodjo Adedze.In comparison, around 17 nations have made comparative regulations across Asia, Europe, and America. Likewise, a considerable number of nations promises to SDGs net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Building a Sustainable, Inclusive Automobile Industry
We’re also aiming to create a gender-neutral environment. For this, we are aiming to employ 50% women. At MAuto, we have already started training women mechanics and technicians.
And that’s not all! MAuto is also gearing up to build the largest battery unit in Africa. Our Togo factory will be producing 1000 units of bikes per day, 30,000 units per month, and 60,000 units of batteries per month.
We will be setting up an expansive dealer network in and around Africa. We have always believed in social entrepreneurship. Let’s take this vision forward for all the generations to come!
