On a recent trip to China, I made an observation that is obvious to everyone who is in any major city. Electric vehicles (EVs)are here, and they are a breath of fresh air literally and figuratively. EV charging stations are littered across the city of Guangzhou and these are fast and efficient. Battery swapping stations are popular for scooters enabling a quick swap and go service for those on the go. What amazed me was the number of EVs and the major difference these afford cities in China as compared to what we have locally. They offer a huge reduction in both air and noise pollution. Streets are quieter and without a sixth sense to be extra aware when crossing the road, you will be run over anticipating hearing a car approaching.
China is among the biggest producers and consumers of energy in the world, while being the biggest Green House Gas (GHG) emitter accounting for one third of the total global GHG emissions. It is on pace to achieve and surpass their carbon emissions target by 2030 with peak emissions projected in 2025 and gradually fall through to 2030. China’s total energy consumption has been rising post-pandemic economic recovery built on heavy industries.
China has a population of 1.4 billion and moving people around is key, its investment in EVs ensures that GHG emission targets are achieved and even surpassed. Build Your Dreams (BYD) is the largest EV maker globally and having been started in 2003 shows the intention of Chinese automakers to transition from Internal Combustion Engines by 2030. The biggest global auto manufacturers have all announced plans to be carbon neutral by 2050 and have all committed to significant sales percentages above 40 percent, being EV’s by 2030. There is a clear commitment to have ceased Internal Combustion Engines by 2040.
Globally around 1-in-4 new cars sold in 2023 were electric. In Norway, this share was over 90 percent, and almost 90 percent in China. Electrical car markets are seeing exponential growth as sales exceeded 10 million in 2022, a total of 14 percent of all new cars sold were electric in 2022 up from 9 percent in 2021 and 5 percent in 2020. Sales neared 14 million in 2023, 95 percent of which were in China, Europe, and the United States. This brings the total registered electric vehicles on the road to 40 million globally.
Zimbabwe, is currently in the process of developing its National Electric Vehicle Policy which is at draft stage. The country is making progress in terms of policy development, pilot projects, charging infrastructure, local manufacturing and public awareness. These efforts indicate a growing interest in sustainable transportation and a commitment to embracing electric mobility as part of Zimbabwe`s future transport landscape. It aims to promote innovation technology and environmental conservation and encourage individuals, to transition to cleaner fuel. Proposed incentives include a total waiver or drastic reduction of import duty on EVs; a preferential licensing system and subsidy by government.
Most cars on the Zimbabwean roads are imported from Japan and a quick look around will show the jump in full hybrid cars which have battery that powers an electric motor or revert to an ICE. As these countries transition, Zimbabwe’s law that states, “cars must be 10 years and below”, will effectively mean we are 10 years behind. Question now is, how quickly can we develop the infrastructure to support the energy transition? Is there investment in EV charging facilities? Are we making an investment into supporting training centres for personnel or are Colleges and Universities still focusing on ICE.?
The future is here and its here now, EVs and their hybrid variants will increase the electricity demand and how our utility supplier anticipates and build capacity will determine how efficient our transport sector will be 10 years from now. Remember BYD the largest EV manufacturer was founded in 2003 and 21 years later its ahead of the pack. Will we be ahead of the pack by 2050? Are we ready for the future?
Text by Oyako Kanyenze