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If you''ve been driving around lately, you''ve probably noticed a new type of vehicle on the roads—quiet, smooth, and emitting no fumes. These are electric vehicles (EVs), which run on an electric battery instead of the usual combustion engine. EVs are becoming more common in Ghana, offering a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable alternative to traditional cars.
For many people, owning an EV is a dream come true, especially with the potential to save on fuel costs. But the benefits of owning an electric vehicle go far beyond just saving money at the pump.
The Ghana Electric Vehicles Baseline Survey Report, published by the Energy Commission in 2022, highlights the wider advantages of embracing electric mobility.
This report is the most comprehensive and up-to-date research on EV adoption in Ghana, providing valuable insights into where the industry stands today and where it''s headed in the future. By taking a closer look at the findings, we can get a clearer picture of the role electric vehicles will play in shaping the future of transportation in Ghana.
Its goal is to guide both the public and private sectors in creating the right conditions for EV adoption, all while supporting Ghana''s ambitious goal of fully transitioning to electric road and rail transportation by 2070. Yes, you read that right—by 2070! I think it must be done much sooner, like 2030.
I''ll break down some of the most important takeaways from the report and offer my personal thoughts on what they mean for the future of electric vehicles in Ghana and in the end highlight one thing I think the report should have included.
The report aims to provide a clear picture of Ghana''s EV sector through:
Analysis of global and local EV developments Cost of ownership assessments Emission reduction potential Field studies on public perceptions The impact of EV adoption on Ghana''s national electricity grid.
The study focuses on Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and electric two- and three-wheelers (E2&3W), which are expected to dominate Ghana''s initial market transition to e-mobility.
EV Imports: Between 2017 and 2021, Ghana imported approximately 17,660 plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), with the majority of them coming from China. A significant portion—91.5% (16,147)—were hybrids, while Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) accounted for just 5.1% (900) of the total imports.
My thoughts: I wouldn''t be surprised if this number has already doubled in recent years. The increasing availability of affordable Chinese models has made EVs more accessible, and this trend is likely driving greater adoption.
As these cost-effective options become more prevalent, we can expect the number of electric vehicles on the road to continue to rise, making a noticeable impact on the EV landscape in Ghana.
Cost of Ownership: The report highlights that, without subsidies, Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) have a higher cost per mile compared to Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (ICEVs), with cost parity being reached only after about 12 years. This extended timeframe is attributed to factors like high initial costs, taxes, and limited financing options. However, the report suggests that measures such as waiving import tariffs or offering lower borrowing rates could shorten this period considerably.
My thoughts: While this may have been the case when the report was written, the landscape has likely changed since then. Fuel prices have risen, which increases the running costs of traditional ICEVs, making them less competitive.
At the same time, the price of EVs has dropped, and more affordable models from various competitors are entering the Ghanaian market. These shifts have likely made the financial case for owning an EV even more compelling, potentially shortening the time it takes for BEVs to reach cost parity with ICEVs. However, this can easily be solved through government policy.
Charging Infrastructure: At the time of the report, Ghana had only four public Level 2 charging stations, all in Accra, and no DC fast-charging stations. The limited charging infrastructure was identified as a major barrier to EV adoption, with range anxiety being a key concern for consumers. Expanding this network, particularly by adding strategically placed fast-charging stations, is crucial for broader EV uptake.
My thoughts: I believe there needs to be a fundamental shift in the way we think about charging EVs. Unlike traditional fuel-powered vehicles, EVs are not meant to be "refuelled" on the go at public stations when the battery runs low.
Instead, the goal should be to charge the vehicle before you drive, similar to how we plan our stops for fuel-powered cars. EV owners should adapt by thinking ahead about their travel routes and planning their charging stops, ensuring that they have enough charge for the journey. The average EV owner drives less than 100km in a day so a full charge should last for about 2-4 trips depending on the EV.
Currently, there are about 10 public EV chargers in Accra which include fast chargers. This is a step forward but also presents some challenges. Most of these chargers are single units that can only charge one or two vehicles at a time.
This limitation could explain why many EV owners don''t rely on public chargers. A full charge using a fast charger takes about 30-60 minutes, which is time-consuming, and these stations simply can''t serve the growing number of over 20,000 EVs (estimated) in Ghana. Fortunately, electricity is widely available, so many owners choose to charge their vehicles at home.
When considering EV infrastructure in Africa, we should rethink the location of charging stations. Rather than placing them on busy streets, charging stations should be situated in commercial building parking lots, malls, restaurants, lecture halls, markets, gated communities, apartment complexes, football parks and stadiums, churches, and other places where people tend to spend more time. These locations make sense because they allow EV owners to charge while they''re engaged in other activities, making the charging process more convenient and efficient.
Additionally, many EV providers now offer home charging stations as part of their packages. This adds an extra layer of convenience, ensuring that owners have reliable access to charging without the need to depend on public infrastructure.
Ultimately, the future of EV adoption in Ghana will depend not just on the expansion of charging infrastructure but on creating a mindset shift that helps owners embrace the new approach to vehicle charging.
Awareness and Attitudes: The survey conducted across eight regional capitals found that 89% of the 605 respondents were aware of electric vehicles (EVs), and of those, 86% expressed interest in purchasing one—provided that affordable models, accessible maintenance, and financial savings on fuel were available.
My thoughts: Interestingly, EVs are known for having fewer mechanical issues compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles. This is a significant advantage, as they generally require less maintenance. However, if any issues do arise, there are service centres in Accra equipped to handle EV-specific repairs.
In fact, many EV suppliers also offer their own servicing units, ensuring that owners have access to reliable support when needed.
With growing awareness and interest in EVs, alongside the assurance of maintenance availability, the case for owning an electric vehicle in Ghana continues to become more attractive. If affordable options and service infrastructure continue to expand, we could see even more people making the switch to electric mobility.
Demographics: The survey reveals that interest in electric vehicles (EVs) is notably higher among individuals who are well-educated and environmentally conscious. This group tends to recognize the benefits of reducing their carbon footprint and is more inclined to embrace alternative forms of transportation.
Interestingly, a significant portion of potential EV owners expressed a preference for hybrid models over fully electric ones. This preference may stem from the hybrid''s ability to offer a combination of the environmental benefits of electric power with the convenience and range of a traditional combustion engine. For many, this seems like a more practical transition, offering a balance between sustainability and familiarity.
My thoughts: As education and environmental awareness continue to grow, we can expect more people to shift toward EVs, whether fully electric or hybrid, as part of their commitment to greener, more sustainable living.
Purchase Considerations: Respondents in the survey identified several key factors influencing their decision to adopt electric vehicles (EVs), including the availability of spare parts, maintenance infrastructure, the upfront cost of EVs, and long-term savings on fuel.
My thoughts: One of the standout advantages of EVs is their simplicity when it comes to mechanical components. While a traditional Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle (ICEV) can have nearly 2,000 moving parts in its engine, an electric vehicle typically has just about 20. This significant reduction in complexity means that EVs require far less maintenance.
For EV owners, this translates into fewer trips to the workshop, resulting in less time and money spent on repairs and maintenance.
So, while the initial cost may be higher, the long-term savings and reduced maintenance needs could make EVs an even more appealing option in the long run.
Preferred Brands and Models: Among potential electric vehicle (EV) buyers, popular choices include well-known brands like the Toyota Prius, Tesla models, and the Hyundai Kona EV. These brands are recognized for their reliability and performance, with the Toyota Prius offering a familiar hybrid option and Tesla and Hyundai Kona providing fully electric alternatives.
When it comes to pricing, most survey respondents expressed a willingness to spend between $20,000 and $30,000 on an EV. However, a significant portion also showed interest in models priced below $20,000, indicating a price-sensitive market.
My thoughts: This reflects a key factor in EV adoption in Ghana, where affordability plays a crucial role in the decision-making process. As more affordable models become available, it''s likely that interest in EVs will continue to grow, making them more accessible to a wider audience.
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