In an ambitious push towards a greener future, Ethiopia recently implemented a sweeping ban on the import of gas-powered private vehicles, setting its sights on an electric vehicle (EV) revolution. However, while this groundbreaking move has ignited hope for a sustainable future, many Ethiopians are encountering unexpected challenges in adapting to the transition, revealing significant infrastructure gaps and raising questions about the practicality of an EV-focused nation.
The decision, which took effect in January, marks Ethiopia as the first country globally to implement such a comprehensive restriction on gas-powered cars. The government introduced this measure partly in response to soaring fuel costs, which have strained its foreign currency reserves and led to reductions in fuel subsidies. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration has framed the ban as both a cost-saving and environmentally driven initiative, intending to reduce carbon emissions and prepare for a greener economy.
For some, like Addis Ababa civil servant Awgachew Seleshi, the shift to electric vehicles has come with unanticipated complications. Seleshi, who purchased an electric car in response to the government’s policy, quickly found himself facing limited access to reliable charging, high costs for imported parts, and a shortage of mechanics trained in EV repairs. “Charging my car has been a challenge,” he explains. “Spare parts are scarce, costly, and very few mechanics are equipped to handle such cars.” His experience highlights the uphill battle faced by early adopters.
While Ethiopia’s move has helped ease the burden on fuel imports, the nation’s infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with the policy shift. Addis Ababa’s limited power supply, coupled with few dedicated EV service garages, has led to frustration among EV owners. Mechanic Yonas Tadelle notes that only a handful of garages in the city can repair electric cars, leaving EV owners vulnerable to inflated repair costs. “There are two or three garages that can fix these vehicles,” Tadelle explains, “but even we lack adequate tools, parts, and expertise.”
Despite these challenges, government officials remain optimistic. Bareo Hassen Bareo, Ethiopia’s transport minister, recently outlined plans to invest in public charging stations across the country and support a local EV battery manufacturing plant. This, they hope, will reduce reliance on imports and strengthen Ethiopia’s green economy infrastructure. The government also has ambitious goals to ramp up EV imports to 500,000 per month by 2030—a significant increase from the current 100,000 vehicles brought in monthly.
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A key element in Ethiopia’s strategy is the Grand Renaissance Dam, which, once fully operational, is expected to generate over 5,000 megawatts of power annually. Prime Minister Abiy’s administration sees this as a critical support system for the country’s EV ambitions, allowing Ethiopia to fuel its transportation sector with clean energy. However, residents in Addis Ababa remain cautious, uncertain that the country’s energy grid can yet meet such high demand consistently.
For those who have attempted to switch, the reality of daily EV ownership has led some to reconsider. Businessman Yared Alemayehu, for instance, initially invested in an electric vehicle to start a taxi service but soon faced persistent mechanical issues and high repair costs. Unable to bear the frustrations, he sold the car at a loss and reverted to a gasoline-powered Toyota Corolla, despite the high taxes on fuel-powered vehicles. “I frequently faced issues with the EV, and repair queues were overwhelming,” Alemayehu recalls.
Economist Samson Berhane notes that the rapid influx of electric cars without adequate infrastructure has left many potential buyers hesitant. While EVs represent a major step forward in Ethiopia’s green goals, Berhane explains that the scarcity of mechanics and charging stations poses real obstacles. “The lack of EV infrastructure and a flood of untested models in the market are discouraging many from making the switch,” he observes, although he remains confident that Ethiopia’s potential energy output could support an EV fleet in the coming decade.
Yet for some, like taxi driver Dereje Hailu, the promise of electric vehicles remains elusive. After purchasing a Chinese-made E-Star electric vehicle, Hailu quickly realized the challenges of operating the car outside Addis Ababa, where charging stations are sparse. “If I go far from the city, I worry about getting stranded,” he shares, a concern echoed by many Ethiopian EV owners navigating the nation’s emerging green landscape.
While Ethiopia’s move to ban gas-powered vehicles is bold, the challenges faced by citizens highlight the complexities of a large-scale EV transition. The Ethiopian government’s commitment to building a green economy is clear, but whether the nation can match its vision with practical infrastructure remains a pressing question as Ethiopia embarks on its journey toward a sustainable future.
