As per IEA Global Energy Review 2021 Globally, carbon dioxide emissions via coal energy generation plants are on course to surge by 1.5 billion tones. To address this, Countries around the world have to move rapidly to start cutting emissions addressing climate change. One of the leading sectors contributing to carbon emissions is transport sector. To address emission issues pertaining to transport sector, many country governments have taken initiative to convert conventional (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles. Electric vehicles are energy efficient over ICEs and get around 85% useful energy conversion (in comparison to ICEs around 15% useful energy).
Zimbabwe is producing 22% of its total GHG emissions from Transport sector. The Government of Zimbabwe has recognised the importance of decarbonisation of transport sector; and electrification of passenger transport sector is first step towards it. EV Policy Roadmap for Zimbabwe has been developed and includes different passenger vehicle segments including, two wheelers, three wheelers, four wheelers, intercity buses and intracity buses (including kombis). The prioritisation analysis undertaken by MFA and pManifold Consortium in consultation with national and local stakeholders identified intracity buses as highest priority for electrification – given country’s ambition to improve public transport and its electrification.
The capital city Harare extends a potential market for e-buses in Zimbabwe. The city serves as the country’s political, economic and cultural centre, and has a population of more than 1.6 million1 (2021) spread over an area of about 960 sq. km.
