Tanzania promotes electric vehicles as fuel prices rise

As fuel prices continue to rise globally due to the Middle East conflict, Tanzania is looking at electric vehicles (EVs) as a way to ease the cost of living for its citizens. President Samia Suluhu Hassan highlighted that oil prices have gone up by about 13 percent recently, and the situation may change day by day depending on how the tensions evolve. The Ministry of Energy, through Permanent Secretary Felchesmi Mramba, emphasized that electric transport is much cheaper to run than fuel-powered vehicles, costing around Sh15,000 compared to Sh100,000 for the same distance. Tanzania currently has about 10,000 EVs, including motorcycles and three-wheelers, with a range of up to 300 kilometres per charge. The ministry is supporting the development by ensuring stable electricity supply and expanding charging stations along major routes. Zera Company is importing EVs from China and plans to eventually assemble them locally in Kibaha, Coast Region. Both commercial and private EVs will be available, and the company is asking the government to reduce taxes on spare parts and charging equipment to make EVs more affordable. Overall, EV adoption is seen as a solution to rising living costs while promoting environmental protection.