The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development of the Ugandan government has opened the country’s first electric vehicle (EV) charging station at Amber House in Kampala.
This milestone is an important step in the nation’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable mobility.
With a power output ranging from 30 kW to 360kW, the recently disclosed, cutting-edge charging station enables cars to be recharged in as little as 15 minutes to 1.5 hours.
This program is being launched at a time when about 3,000 electric cars, buses, and motorcycles are already on Ugandan roads.
Ruth Nankabirwa, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, stressed the significance of switching to electric vehicles during her remarks at the event.
“The shift to electric vehicles offers numerous benefits, including lower fuel costs, reduced maintenance expenses, and, most importantly, a cleaner and greener future,” she stated.
She added that as the transportation industry contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, electric mobility is an essential tool in the fight against climate change.
“Electric mobility adoption is still comparatively low worldwide, but Uganda is making impressive strides in this regard. We are establishing the groundwork for an environmentally friendly transportation system with this EV charging station,” she continued.
Uganda’s clean energy policy, which makes use of the nation’s more than 90% renewable electricity output, is in line with the country’s shift to electric mobility.
It is anticipated that this action will greatly lower carbon emissions and enhance urban air quality.
The government has promised to fully support e-mobility by means of incentives, investments, and strategic initiatives.
The Ministry of Energy’s Permanent Secretary’s office representative, Eng. Simon Kalanzi, reiterated this pledge, saying, “With fast-charging stations now operational, the government is taking a direct lead in sustainable mobility through its energy policy and efficiency initiatives.”
Kalanzi also emphasized how important the private sector is to the shift.
“We are working with private sector partners to attract investments in sustainable mobility and energy-saving solutions,” he said.
The worldwide e-mobility market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 27.2%, from $280 billion in 2021 to an astounding $1.5 trillion by 2030, according to research.
Nonetheless, the transportation industry continues to be a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing 10% of all emissions in Africa.
Sustainable alternatives like electric vehicles are becoming more and more important as the vehicle market in Sub-Saharan Africa is predicted to increase from 25 million vehicles in 2021 to over 58 million by 2040.
Experts contend that there are economical benefits to electric automobiles as well.
“An electric vehicle’s total cost of ownership, including purchase, upkeep, and operating, is about 60% less than its diesel counterpart. According to an energy expert, the energy cost of electric vehicles (EVs) is just 20–22% of that of gasoline or diesel.
Even while EVs are still expensive to buy initially, prices should go down as technology develops and use grows.
Notwithstanding the advantages, the development of operational standards, legal frameworks, and growing infrastructure are some of the difficulties facing Uganda’s e-mobility industry.
Strategic policies are also urgently needed to encourage domestic production and the broad use of electric vehicles.
Financial institutions, however, are stepping forward to help with this change. NCBA Bank Uganda’s Head of Asset Finance, Adad Iraguha, stated the bank’s dedication to promoting the uptake of e-mobility.
“As a bank, we are prepared to offer low-interest loans to Ugandans who want to buy bikes and electric cars. This will hasten the nation’s adoption of e-mobility,” he stated.
