Ethiopians are struggling to keep up with the new "EV or nothing" policy

Ethiopia made headlines as the first country to ban the import of gas and diesel cars, aiming to boost electric vehicle (EV) adoption. However, the nation faces challenges with only around 50 charging stations available. EV owners struggle with inadequate infrastructure, limited access to spare parts, and a lack of expertise in servicing and maintaining EVs. The government's decision to enforce the "EV or nothing" policy was met with concerns from experts and stakeholders who believe the country was not adequately prepared for the transition. Despite incentives for EVs, such as lower import duties, the reality on the ground reveals significant hurdles for consumers and businesses alike. With a shortage of charging stations and spare parts, some Ethiopians are considering reverting to gas or diesel vehicles. The government acknowledges these challenges and is working to expand infrastructure to support the growing number of EVs on the road. Despite the ambitious goal of having 150,000 EVs by 2030, the current infrastructure and regulatory gaps pose significant obstacles to Ethiopia's EV revolution.