BYD signs partnership with Inchcape to enter Ethiopia

• Inchcape Plc is a UK-based company in automotive distribution and retail, operating in 40 international markets.

• In Africa, Inchcape is present in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti.

• Our take: This partnership allows BYD to gain access to Inchcape’s distribution network… Read more (2 min)

An EV investor raises uncomfortable questions

• Across Africa, urbanisation is pushing demand for transportation, with projections indicating an additional 300 million urban residents by 2050. 

• Mobility startups, both traditional and electric vehicles, are attempting to solve this problem. So far, some have been crushed in the attempt, but more are coming, having learned valuable lessons from their predecessors.

• Our take: Being a first mover is an advantage, but not always… Read more (2 min)

TotalEnergies Uganda opens its first public EV charging station

• This launch is part of TotalEnergies' commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and providing cleaner energy solutions to its customers.

• Globally, the company has built over 55,000 charging stations across the world, but very few are in Africa.

• Our take: Big fuel companies have money and space to scale EV charging infrastructure… Read more (2 min)

• Barriers to EV growth in Africa: Several key factors must be addressed for rapid adoption of EVs in Africa. For instance, high vehicle costs and limited charging infrastructure are among them. Investment in renewable energy infrastructure is also essential. Government need to be quick in enacting policies that support green energy, incentivise EV manufacturing, and make EVs affordable. (TheConversation)

• Morocco’s EV battery manufacturing potential: The country is positioned to become a pivotal player in EV battery production for Europe, with its competitive cost projections for lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries estimated at around $72 per kWh by 2030. The country’s strong political stability, infrastructure, and unique resources have led to huge partnerships with major companies including the first EV battery gigafactory. (MoroccoWorldNews)

• Adoption of CNG vehicles in Africa: Six countries—Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania—are leading in CNG adoption through ambitious government targets and substantial infrastructure investments. Nigeria is converting one million vehicles by 2025 and Morocco plans to shift 10,000 taxis to CNG. (AfricaBusinessInsider)