Electrifying Change: EVs and saving the environment.
As the world transitions towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future, the embrace of electric vehicles emerges as an important step. Sub-Saharan Africa, a region rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity, stands at the threshold of a transformative journey in the transportation industry. In this article, we delve into the benefits of adopting electric vehicles within the unique context of Sub-Saharan Africa. From reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality to encouraging economic growth and technological innovation, the integration of EVs holds the promise of changing the way we think of public transportation while addressing environmental and socio-economic challenges. Let’s explore how EVs could help with a greener and more vibrant future for Sub-Saharan Africa.
The world as we know it is changing. In some areas, the change can be seen more rapidly than in others. Africa is incredibly vulnerable when it comes to climate change, and a significant portion of Sub-Saharan Africa’s population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods. Increasingly we see the devastating effects of climate change across the African continent and even more so in Sub-Saharan Africa. (SSA)
Climate change impacts the population in Africa and extreme droughts are affecting countries in the Horn of Africa, particularly Kenya. In the first half of 2023, the northern regions of Kenya remained under the grip of a severe drought that started back in 2020. This drought has been brought on by changing weather patterns across the Sub- Saharan Africa in particular, which is consistent with the climate change phenomena. By using the drought in Kenya as an example, I want to highlight the vulnerability of SSA countries to the adverse effects of climate change in the region. It also magnifies the urgent need for energy transformation in SSA, something we can’t ignore for much longer.
Charging forward
Energy transition involves moving away from fossil-based fuels and energy systems to more renewable and sustainable sources. This change aligns with the global post-2015 agenda and the Paris Agreement, both aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Given the challenges countries in SSA are facing, more should be done by the countries in the region to invest in energy transition and move forward towards the decarbonization process. Our industries in SSA are not as developed as those in the Global North, which emphasizes the need to address the transport sector, which is one of the larger contributors to CO2 emissions in Africa.
Countries in SSA should prioritize the implementation of electric transportation and energy storage. This goes hand in hand with the technology development to enhance energy efficiency. Investment in energy storage also demands attention, as it bridges the gap between intermittent renewable power and consistent reliability.
The question remains. Are we doing enough and what’s been done so far?
Revving up change in Kigali
With a population of 13 million, Rwanda has taken positive steps in recent years to embrace electric vehicles (EVs) to counter rising air pollution and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The country has introduced tax incentives for EV buyers and nurtured the growth of local EV manufacturers like Ampersand. Ampersand is a startup in Rwanda that specializes in electric mobility solutions, particularly electric motorbikes. They are focused on providing affordable and environmentally friendly transportation options to address congestion in the cities and contribute to reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in Rwanda. Ampersand’s electric motorbikes offer an alternative to traditional internal combustion engine motorbikes, helping to transition the transportation sector towards greener options.
The nation has also attracted the attention of major global automakers, even hosting the first electric Volkswagen in Africa. Electric trucks have also been employed for essential deliveries in rural areas.
The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has played a supportive role in Rwanda’s transition to EVs by collaborating with governmental bodies to expedite the deployment of electric motorbikes and three-wheelers. This project in Rwanda is part of UNEP’s broader initiative to combat air pollution, which claims approximately 7 million lives annually, predominantly in developing countries. Rwanda’s government has implemented a range of strategies to expedite the adoption of e-mobility, such as reduced electricity tariffs for EV charging and the waiver of duties on electric vehicles and associated components.
Further demonstrating their commitment, Rwanda intends to introduce a carbon tax to discourage polluting vehicles, institute a five-year age limit on imported second-hand cars, and reinforce existing emission regulations to discourage the acquisition of environmentally harmful vehicles.
Clearing the air in Dar es Salaam
During rush hour traffic, gas-powered rickshaws, navigate through the narrow gaps between densely packed minibus taxis. Nearly half of the city’s 6.4 million inhabitants heavily depend on these vehicles, along with a limited bus rapid transit (BRT) fleet as their primary means of transportation. As these vehicles move through congested streets, they emit plumes of soot that pose severe health hazards to commuters and urban dwellers. With the urban population in Africa projected to swell by 2 billion by 2050, experts state that this problem will only get worse.
Dar es Salaam is taking steps to transition towards greener public transport by introducing soot-free buses and cleaner vehicle technologies. The city is addressing the health risks and environmental damage caused by emissions from gas-powered rickshaws and minibus taxis. To combat this, the Tanzanian government is working to implement cleaner buses, improve fuel quality, and promote the use of low-sulfur fuels. The goal is to reduce harmful emissions, improve air quality, and create a more reliable and efficient transport system for the growing urban population. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) is also playing a role by assisting African cities, including Dar es Salaam, in transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable public transportation options.
Driving change
Major cities in South Africa have embarked on a range of green public transport initiatives aimed at tackling urban congestion, and air pollution, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Cities in the likes of Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, have introduced Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, featuring dedicated bus lanes and cleaner fuel technologies.
More recently, electric buses have been integrated into the public transport fleets of cities like Cape Town and Tshwane, contributing to improved air quality. Cities are even exploring renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to operate their public transport systems, further reducing their environmental impact.
Government regulations, incentives, and collaborative efforts with international partners underscore South Africa’s commitment to fostering greener and more sustainable public transport options for its citizens.
Getting into the zone
Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo are set to establish Special Economic Zones dedicated to the production of electric vehicles. In April 2023, the African Export-Import Bank and the UN Economic Commission for Africa signed an agreement with both countries to support this project. With abundant reserves of key minerals used in EV battery production, such as cobalt and copper, the DRC and Zambia are strategically positioned to lead in the EV sector in SSA. The DRC exports 88% of the cobalt used in the world and more than 70% of the world’s cobalt reserves are situated in the DRC. While Zambia and the DRC collectively contribute 11% of the global copper supply. This initiative aims to leverage their mineral resources by establishing Special Economic Zones to produce battery components and EVs, with the African Export-Import Bank and the UN Economic Commission for Africa providing financial and technical support. This move towards electric vehicles aligns with the green mineral boom and the economic importance of the mining sector in the region.
Rolling forward
Heavy vehicles like buses and trucks are big polluters and release detrimental fine particulate matter and black carbon, both short-lived climate pollutants. With the industrialisation of countries and the urbanization of the SSA population, vehicle fleets are set to double every decade. This calls for an urgent call to action in a situation that is already challenging, to say the least.
Targeting EVs, clean vehicle technology and the use of low-sulfur fuels, experts believe that these measures can successfully cut down on harmful emissions. The challenge lies in translating government support into effective, workable policies making sure that the necessary technical infrastructure to reshape the public transport systems is available and lastly, securing adequate funding for these projects.
Heating technology, not the planet
I believe that a holistic approach will not only ensure the seamless operation of EVs, but it will also address efficient energy consumption and grid stability. OMRON can integrate its automation and energy management solutions into the EV ecosystem. Electric Vehicle manufacturing is no longer the future- it is the NOW! Against the backdrop of this dynamic landscape, OMRON will be able to significantly contribute to the adoption of EVs and pave the way in SSA for a more sustainable future. The company is known globally for their innovative solutions, and by collaborating with industry stakeholders, car manufacturers and governments, OMRON can harness its technological knowledge to develop state-of-the-art and cutting-edge charging infrastructure, battery management systems and smart grid integration systems.
The shift towards electrification of vehicles within the automotive industry nudges the various tier suppliers to rise to the occasion and deliver components and final products at a rate never seen before. OMRON offers automation solutions for EV subassembly that optimize performance, ensure quality assurance, and provide flexibility to the production process.
While the initial costs of electric buses and alternative solutions may be relatively high, governments are recognizing their long-term cost-effectiveness. Let’s look at it this way: not adopting clean technology vehicles incurs higher health-related expenses in the long run. The broader costs of poor-technology vehicles need to be factored into the decision-making process of deciding between greener vehicles or sticking with traditional transportation. Although traditional vehicles might be inexpensive initially, the eventual toll can be significant.
Written for Omron OEE-ZA
