Ethiopia Goes Electric: 115,000 EVs on the Road as Fuel Shocks Reshape Transport
Ethiopia is steering hard into electric mobility. Faced with soaring global fuel prices and a heavy reliance on costly imports, the country is accelerating its transition to electric vehicles (EVs) as a strategic economic lifeline.
In 2024, Ethiopia took a bold step—banning the import of petrol and diesel vehicles entirely. Today, over 115,000 electric cars are already on its roads, marking one of Africa’s most ambitious EV shifts.
The move is already easing financial pressure. Ethiopia currently spends $4.2 billion annually** on fuel imports and another **$128 million each month on fuel subsidies. By switching to EVs, the country is reducing that drain on foreign currency while cutting household and business transport costs.
What makes the transition viable? Clean power. Nearly 90% of Ethiopia’s electricity comes from renewable sources—mainly hydropower and solar. That makes running an EV not only greener but significantly cheaper than fueling a petrol car.
For a nation once battered by fuel shocks, the road ahead looks electric.
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