Transport, Logistics Minister Stresses Need for Wide Use of Electric Vehicles

Addis Ababa, March 12, 2025 (ENA)— Electric Vehicles (EVs) should be widely utilized instead of fuel vehicles as part of the effort to build a green economy and tackle climate change, Transport and Logistics Minister Alemu Sime said.

A half-day meeting, which discussed a draft Electric Vehicles Implementation Strategy in Addis Ababa today, has approved the strategy.

 Speaking on the occasion, the minister said the transport sector has a role in building a green economy, stressing the need to utilize electric vehicles.

According to him, Ethiopia spends 4 billion USD annually for the purchase of fuel.

 

Therefore, utilizing renewable energy would not only reduce air pollution but also allow the high cost of fuel to be used for other infrastructure construction, Alemu noted.

 The approved strategy includes the banning of importation of used fuel vehicles, importation of electric vehicles, change of existing fuel cars into electric vehicles, and establishment of charge stations at various locations, it was learned.

On his part, Finance Minister Ahmed Shide said the ministry is committed to significantly contributing to the implementation of the strategy as one of the pertinent bodies.

 

 He also stressed the need for creating an enabling environment for FDI in the sector, financial accessibility and various incentives.

The demand for transportation is increasing with population growth, urbanization, and economic development, Ahmed noted.

 Industry State Minister Tarekegn Bululta said the strategy has created special opportunities to utilize renewable energy.

 

 The state minister added that the Ministry of Industry will work diligently to ensure that electric vehicles are produced domestically and battery charging infrastructure expanded.