Ghana To Adopt Electric Vehicles For Public Transportation

 

(Photo credit: theghanareport.com)

The Ghanaian government is actively developing a policy framework to transition public transportation from reliance on petroleum fuels to electric vehicles (EVs), as revealed by Vice President Bawumia. During his visit to Solar Taxi, a Ghanaian start-up specializing in the assembly and manufacturing of EVs, Vice President Bawumia expressed his vision of seeing public transport completely shift from petrol and diesel to fully electric vehicles.

Exploring opportunities for sustainable transportation alternatives, Vice President Bawumia acknowledged the potential for Ghana to adopt EVs as a matter of policy. Solar Taxi, founded in 2019, has emerged as one of Africa's leading EV manufacturers. Their innovative offerings include electric cars, motorcycles, buses, and battery packs. Notably, Solar Taxi has the capability to convert conventional petrol or diesel-powered vehicles into electric ones, making this transition more accessible and feasible.

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Solar Taxi's impressive achievements include the assembly of over 460 vehicles and the sale of 500 vehicles. They have also received orders for vehicles, battery packs, and EV maintenance training from various countries across the continent. With its diverse portfolio, Solar Taxi not only operates a ride-hailing service but also implements a motorcycle leasing and vehicle sales model based on the Ghana Card system, ensuring seamless integration and improved accessibility.

Jorge Appiah, the CEO, and Co-founder of Solar Taxi, shared insights while showcasing the capabilities of their EV buses. These buses have the remarkable capacity to travel from Accra to Kumasi without requiring a recharge. The successful demonstration highlighted the achievable potential and feasibility of an electric public transportation network in Ghana.

The government's collaboration with Solar Taxi and other stakeholders in the transportation sector, such as STC, Metro Mass, Aayalolo, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Road Safety Commission, signals a collective effort towards a sustainable transportation future. Financing options are also being explored, allowing individuals to acquire Solar Taxi's motorcycles, cars, and buses through payment plans linked to their Ghana Card identification, without the need for collateral.

Transitioning public transportation to electric vehicles aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions, mitigate climate change, and promote environmentally friendly transport solutions. By spearheading this shift, Ghana aims to contribute to the global sustainability agenda while leveraging local innovations and capabilities.

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With government support and collaborative initiatives, the transition to electric vehicles in Ghana's public transportation sector is poised to revolutionize mobility, ensure a cleaner environment, and foster a sustainable future for the nation.

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