Over a thousand electric vehicles now navigate the roads of Côte d’Ivoire. These quiet, fuel-efficient automobiles are particularly prominent within the VTC (Vehicles for Hire) sector, where they offer significantly reduced operational costs. However, despite this growing momentum, several hurdles remain: the initial purchase price is still high, charging infrastructure is insufficient, and there’s a heavy reliance on imports.
From the bustling streets of Abidjan, Mouhamed Kanaté, a VTC driver of two years, diligently completes his daily rides in an electric vehicle. An accountant by training with a keen interest in environmental issues, Mouhamed chose electric mobility to reduce his everyday expenses and boost his earnings. He explains the financial advantage: “Unlike petrol cars, where a minimum refill costs 20,000 FCFA, the maximum charge for an electric vehicle is 13,000 FCFA. This means you can operate well below the 20,000 FCFA mark and still generate a profit that helps cover family expenses and other charges. It’s genuinely profitable.”
The three major VTC operators in the Ivorian market are increasingly investing in these eco-friendly vehicles. Industry experts estimate that nearly 300 electric cars are currently used for urban transport in Abidjan. However, the expansion of this green mobility faces significant hurdles:
- High Acquisition Cost: Each vehicle costs a minimum of 14 million FCFA.
- Limited Charging Infrastructure: There are only about a hundred charging stations available across the entire country.
- Complex Maintenance: Repairs can be challenging due to the scarcity of mechanical parts. As Mouhamed Kanaté notes, “The difficulties lie in equipment maintenance and the rarity of mechanical parts. Since these are imported vehicles, there aren’t many spare parts dealers available yet.”
Incentives Drive Investment in Electric Mobility
In response to the rising demand for electric vehicles, several dealerships are expanding their offerings. Sinoafrik, which represents Chinese brands in Abidjan, now prominently features electric SUVs and sedans in its Cocody showroom. Initially, the focus was on educating and reassuring potential customers. Reine Trésor Gosset, a sales representative, explains, “We encouraged them to learn more about the model, to understand that it’s even more economical and beneficial for them. Now, there’s genuine demand, with more interest in purchasing than mere curiosity. The most sought-after models currently are those for VTC services and small 25-seater vehicles.”
The Ministry of Transport is actively supporting this transition towards greener transportation, particularly through incentive measures designed for investors. Jean-Marc Atché, the Director of Planning and Projects, states, “Today, our investment code offers many facilitations to promote and ease the establishment of investors. We are supporting several ongoing projects, notably a large factory set to be built for the local assembly of electric vehicles right here in Côte d’Ivoire.”
The Ivorian government aims to lead by example, with a goal that by 2030, 10% of the public administration’s vehicle fleet will consist of electric vehicles.
