Why EVs are not popular in Zimbabwe and what can be done about it

Electric vehicles (EVs) are vehicles that run on electricity instead of fossil fuels. They are considered to be more environmentally friendly, energy efficient and cost effective than conventional vehicles. EVs have been gaining popularity around the world, especially in developed countries where there are supportive policies, infrastructure and incentives for their adoption. However, in Zimbabwe, EVs are still a rare sight on the roads. Why is that and what can be done to change it?

The electricity crisis

One of the main reasons why EVs are not popular in Zimbabwe is the chronic electricity crisis that the country is facing. Zimbabwe is producing just half of its 1,700 MW peak demand, the result of a prolonged drought that has reduced output at its largest hydro plant and aging coal-fired generators that keep breaking down. The country has to rely on imports from neighbouring countries, which are expensive and unreliable. The power utility ZESA Holdings has been implementing load shedding to prevent the collapse of the national grid. This has caused severe disruptions to businesses, industries and households, affecting their productivity, income and quality of life.

The electricity crisis makes it difficult for EV owners to charge their vehicles, as they cannot be sure when and where they will have access to power. Moreover, the high cost of electricity makes EVs less attractive, as they may not offer significant savings compared to conventional vehicles. The lack of adequate and affordable electricity also hampers the development of charging infrastructure, which is essential for the convenience and confidence of EV users.

The policy and regulatory framework

Another reason why EVs are not popular in Zimbabwe is the lack of a clear and supportive policy and regulatory framework for their promotion and adoption. Zimbabwe does not have a national electric mobility policy or strategy that outlines the vision, goals, targets and actions for the development of the EV market. There are also no specific incentives or subsidies for EV buyers, such as tax exemptions, rebates, grants or loans. On the contrary, EVs are subject to high import duties and taxes, which make them more expensive than conventional vehicles. For instance, a Nissan Leaf, one of the most popular EV models in the world, costs about $40,000 in Zimbabwe, compared to about $30,000 in South Africa.

The lack of a policy and regulatory framework also creates uncertainty and confusion for EV stakeholders, such as manufacturers, dealers, importers, service providers and consumers. There are no clear standards, guidelines or regulations for EVs, such as technical specifications, safety requirements, certification procedures, warranty terms, maintenance services, disposal methods and environmental impacts. There are also no clear roles and responsibilities for the relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, the Vehicle Inspection Department and the Environmental Management Agency. This makes it difficult for EV stakeholders to operate, invest, innovate and collaborate in the EV market.

The public awareness and perception

A third reason why EVs are not popular in Zimbabwe is the low level of public awareness and perception of their benefits and potential. Many Zimbabweans are not familiar with EVs, how they work, what they offer and where they can find them. There is a lack of information, education and communication campaigns to raise awareness and interest among the public, especially the potential buyers, users and influencers of EVs. There is also a lack of demonstration projects, pilot programmes and success stories to showcase the performance, reliability and suitability of EVs in the local context.

Many Zimbabweans also have negative or sceptical perceptions of EVs, based on myths, misconceptions and misinformation. Some of the common ones are:

• EVs are not suitable for Zimbabwe’s terrain, climate and road conditions
• EVs have limited range, speed and power
• EVs are difficult to charge, maintain and repair
• EVs are more expensive than conventional vehicles
• EVs are not as safe, comfortable and attractive as conventional vehicles
• EVs are not as environmentally friendly as they claim to be

These perceptions deter many Zimbabweans from considering or choosing EVs, as they fear that they may not meet their needs, expectations and preferences.

What can be done?

Despite these challenges, there are also opportunities and potential for EVs to become more popular and mainstream in Zimbabwe. Some of the possible solutions are:

• Addressing the electricity crisis by increasing the generation, transmission and distribution capacity, diversifying the energy sources, improving the efficiency and management of the power system, reducing the losses and theft of electricity, and promoting renewable energy and energy conservation.
• Developing a national electric mobility policy and strategy that provides a clear and coherent vision, goals, targets and actions for the development of the EV market, and aligns with the national development plans, the climate change commitments and the sustainable development goals.
• Creating a conducive and supportive policy and regulatory framework that provides incentives and subsidies for EV buyers, such as tax exemptions, rebates, grants or loans, and reduces the import duties and taxes on EVs and their components.
• Establishing clear and consistent standards, guidelines and regulations for EVs, such as technical specifications, safety requirements, certification procedures, warranty terms, maintenance services, disposal methods and environmental impacts, and ensuring their enforcement and compliance.
• Defining and assigning the roles and responsibilities of the relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, the Vehicle Inspection Department and the Environmental Management Agency, and enhancing their coordination and collaboration.
• Increasing the public awareness and perception of EVs by conducting information, education and communication campaigns to raise awareness and interest among the public, especially the potential buyers, users and influencers of EVs, and by implementing demonstration projects, pilot programmes and success stories to showcase the performance, reliability and suitability of EVs in the local context.
• Addressing the myths, misconceptions and misinformation about EVs by providing accurate, credible and relevant information and evidence, and by engaging and involving the public in dialogue, feedback and participation.

Conclusion

EVs are not popular in Zimbabwe because of the electricity crisis, the lack of a policy and regulatory framework, and the low level of public awareness and perception. However, these challenges can be overcome by addressing the electricity situation, developing a national electric mobility policy and strategy, creating a conducive and supportive policy and regulatory framework, increasing the public awareness and perception of EVs, and addressing the myths, misconceptions and misinformation about EVs. By doing so, Zimbabwe can tap into the benefits and potential of EVs, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, enhancing energy security, saving costs, creating jobs and stimulating innovation.