The government of Ethiopia has urged citizens to buy Electric Vehicles (EVs) instead of gas-powered amid soaring fuel prices.
Alemu Sime, Minister of Transport and Logistics Wednesday said citizens are encouraged to buy EVs and be part of the effort to build a green economy and tackle climate change.
He made the remark while a draft document on Electric Vehicles Implementation Strategy was tabled for discussion in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
The minister said the transport sector should play a key role in building a green economy and reducing the expense the East African country spends for fuel annually.
According to him, Ethiopia spends $4 billion USD for fuel annually.
The strategy, which was approved later on, stated the banning of importation of used fuel vehicles and changing of existing fuel cars into electric vehicles, and establishment of charge stations at various locations, it was learned.
Ethiopia aims to replace some 432,000 fossil fuel-powered vehicles with EVs in 10 years and it has been able to put into operation more than 100,000 EVs nationwide in the past two and a half years.
The government is also working to expand EV production and the installation of public charging stations, offering support and various incentives for private investors, such as free or leased land for investors in EVs’ after-sales service.
As part of its push for green transition, the government has announced a ban on imports of vehicles powered by gasoline or diesel.
MG/as/APA