Comparative analysis of city-specific EV applications for passenger transport in Asia and Africa

Abstract

Electric mobility is progressing at varied paces for different vehicle segments, and in many countries, significant barriers exist, which is reflected in the very low share of electricity in final energy consumption. The EU-funded SOLUTIONSplus project, which promotes sustainable urban transport through electric mobility, demonstrated e-three-wheelers in Dar es Salam and Kathmandu, remodelled Safa tempos in Kathmandu, e-moto taxis in Kigali, e-mopeds in Hanoi, and bus conversion in Kathmandu. These prototypes, developed, produced and/or assembled by local firms, were specifically designed to replace fossil fuel-powered two-wheelers, three-wheelers and buses, reflecting local conditions and aims. The assessment of demonstrations uses financial cost-benefit analysis (CBA) and key sustainability indicators based on local stakeholders’ priorities. All demonstration vehicles turned out profitable in cases where they replaced an existing ICE vehicle. The upfront cost of electric vehicles is high. However, the total cost of operations of electric vehicles has shown that they are more profitable in the long run. and also have significant social, environmental and climate benefits. The CO2 reduction is substantial for all EVs since they replace ICE vehicles, however, these can increase further if electricity grids can be decarbonised. Since EVs have no tailpipe emissions of (NOX, PM) the reductions of local emissions are 100%; however, improvements in emission standards for ICE vehicles will reduce the advantage of EVs in future. EVs in themselves cannot lead to improvements in accessibility, affordability and travel time savings. However, when they are used to expand/complement public transport, they can improve accessibility (Dar es Salam) and deliver time-savings (Hanoi).