Moroccan city eyes full electric public transport

From the newsletter

Ifrane, a city in Morocco, is set to become the first municipality in the country to transition fully to electric public transportation. The city is currently in the planning stage as it seeks funding. The regional governor, Idriss Mesbah, who is leading the initiative, aims to provide subsidised electric vehicles to the city’s population.

• Ifrane is situated in the Middle Atlas Mountains and has a population of 80,000 people. It is also one of the most visited cities by tourists in Morocco. 

• The projects will integrate electric buses and taxis (refer to the artistic rendering above). According to Electromaps, Ifrane province has fewer than five EV charging stations, despite Morocco having an electricity access rate of 100% in urban areas and 99% in rural areas.

More details

• Currently, Morocco's EV production capacity stands at 40,000 units annually, with initiatives underway to establish local manufacturing and assembly plants for both EVs and batteries. The development of a local EV industry could provide Ifrane with easier access to vehicles and parts, potentially reducing costs and encouraging local economic growth. Furthermore, Ifrane's initiative could serve as a catalyst, encouraging neighbouring cities to consider similar transitions, thereby contributing to broader national adoption.

• Ifrane’s terrain is mountainous. Electric vehicles operating in such conditions require powerful powertrains and efficient energy management systems to handle elevation changes and varying road conditions. Vehicles with high torque and advanced regenerative braking systems are particularly advantageous in these settings.

• Several EV models that are gaining traction in Africa could be suitable for Ifrane’s landscape. The BYD K6 Electric Bus, Munro MK_1, and Rivian R1T are among the models that could perform well in the region. Due to Ifrane’s tourism sector, companies like Electric Safari Vehicles Ltd. have developed electric conversions of traditional safari vehicles, such as the Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser. These vehicles are designed to handle rugged terrains and can be fully recharged using solar panels, offering a sustainable solution for mountainous areas.

• Ifrane’s limited access to charging infrastructure could pose a challenge. Therefore, home charging solutions would be a practical alternative as the city works on expanding its charging network. This challenge also presents an opportunity for EV charging companies to collaborate with the city’s government to establish charging stations.

• Cities worldwide are increasingly transitioning to electric public transportation to enhance sustainability and reduce emissions. For example, Shenzhen, China, became the first city to fully electrify its bus fleet in 2017, deploying over 16,000 electric buses.

• Jaworzno, Poland, is a pioneer in e-mobility among small towns. It was the first city in Poland to introduce an electric bus in 2015. As of recent data, 80% of all buses in Jaworzno are electric, serving over 80% of all routes, both within the city and in neighbouring municipalities.

• In May 2024, Egypt launched a pilot programme deploying its first fleet of electric taxis in the New Administrative Capital (NAC). The initial phase introduced 10 electric vehicles, with plans to expand the fleet to 145 vehicles.

Our take

• Smaller cities offer ideal pilot areas before scaling up operations. This approach provides valuable demographic data, consumer preferences, and operational insights while keeping costs lower for feasibility studies.

• Developing adequate charging infrastructure is crucial. This has been a major factor in the success of Jaworzno, Poland. Similarly, St. Helena, a remote island in the South Atlantic Ocean with a population below 5,000, has begun by piloting EV charging before enforcing mass EV adoption.

• Ifrane’s economy, driven largely by farming, could benefit from integrating electric trucks and bicycles. Rwanda has successfully introduced electric OX trucks for rural farmers, while Uganda has promoted electric bicycles to help farmers transport their produce efficiently.