As cities in developing countries grow, so does the demand for mobility, but the transport sector is already responsible for 20 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. This is why, in a recent analysis of 20 developing countries, The World Bank demonstrated a strong economic case for accelerated electric vehicle (EV) adoption, the bank writes in an article for the World Economic Forum.
To date, the cost of EVs has constrained sales to places like China, Europe and the United States. Counter arguments against the use of EVs in developing countries have included high costs, complicated technology and limited charging capabilities. However, the World Bank’s analysis shows that for some categories of vehicles – such as electric buses, electric two-wheeled vehicles and electric three-wheeled vehicles – the savings in fuel costs and maintenance costs offset a higher initial purchase price.
Furthermore, adopting EVs can improve local air quality and improve energy security in countries with volatile gas and oil prices. There is therefore “a lot to be gained from incorporating more e-mobility solutions into modern transport systems in developing countries”, the World Bank writes.
It explains that the benefits are even greater if EVs are paired with comprehensive strategies for sustainable mobility, which include promoting well-planned cities, improving mass transit and offering more practical active mobility.
The World Bank currently has 40 ongoing e-mobility projects, including bus rapid-transit projects in major cities such as Dakar, Senegal. “Our research shows that EVs are not just a rich country technology, but an increasingly relevant solution for developed and developing nations alike,” it concludes.
