KAMPALA – The world’s primary modes of transportation are facing two major problems: rising oil costs and increasing carbon emissions. As a result, electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity as they are independent of oil and do not produce greenhouse gases. However, despite their benefits, several operational issues still need to be addressed for EV adoption to become widespread. The evolution of EVs over time which highlights their benefits, including reducing carbon emissions and air pollution. It challenges and difficulties that is faced in adoption of electric vehicles in Uganda includes high cost of EV Cras, EV infrastructure, scarcity of charging stations, limited range or range anxiety, and the performance of batteries. To overcome these challenges, potential solutions include enhancing the charging infrastructure, increasing the number of charging stations, using battery swapping techniques, and improving battery technology to address range anxiety and reduce charging times. Government of Uganda can incentivize consumers to purchase EVs through tax credits or subsidies and invest in building a robust charging infrastructure. Industry stakeholders can collaborate with government to address these challenges and promote the adoption of EVs, which can contribute to reducing carbon emissions and air pollution.
The future of electric vehicles in Uganda looks positive with advancements in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and supportive policies. Battery prices are expected to drop significantly, making EVs more affordable and convenient for consumers. Switching to EVs can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change, and incorporating them into smart city programs can improve efficiency. As the market grows, we can expect new models with improved driving ranges and faster charging times, potentially including self-driving EVs.
Despite the fact that initial cost of purchasing E-Vehicles is extremely very high compared to vehicles that depend on fossil fuels but the E-Vehicles with opportunities and have immediate high -return on investment. In addition to tax credits, government must issue new guide lines to all government ministries and MDA’s on replacing a proportion of their fossil fuel vehicles with E-vehicles and still government should perfectly exemplify to investing and protecting the environment. The banks should design appropriate and subsidized loan products for customers that have a financial need to buy Electronic Vehicles and finally, Uganda Revenue Authority should consider giving companies tax subsidies based on their fleet of electronic vehicles they own and operate. The medium term plan is for government to create enabling policies and attract patient investors to invest in E-vehicles assembly plant in Uganda.
The world continues to be ravaged by extreme weather events, from intense heat waves and droughts to severe storms and rainfall but yet some people still deny the existence of climate change.
“We are the last, best hope of Earth. Let us work together and protect it” Denis Tukahikaho PhD is a global expert and researcher on climate finance, he holds a PhD in Environmental Management and Economics, he is a PhD student in international relations and Climate Change diplomacy, holds a Master of Laws Energy and Policy, Executive MBA, Bachelors of Business Administration in financial services and A diploma in quantitative Economics.
The author, Denis Tukahikaho, is CEO Denning & Young Ltd, and Head Directorate of Innovation & Leadership Team-University Uganda.
