Electric Vehicles Help Cut Emissions Across Asia and Africa
By CCN News | Published: Dec 21, 2024
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At dawn in Pasig City, Philippines, Dorothy Mae Dumawal watches as a fleet of electric three-wheeled vehicles quietly charges at a government-owned station. These vehicles, which belong to the Philippine Postal Corporation, will soon set off on their mail runs across the bustling streets of Metro Manila. “Before this station, our drivers had to rush home when their batteries ran low,” Dumawal says. “Now, they can charge here and continue their work with minimal disruption.”
These 30 electric vehicles are part of a larger effort spearheaded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to accelerate the shift toward electric transportation in Asia and Africa. Funded by Germany's International Climate Initiative, this project aims to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by replacing petrol-powered two- and three-wheelers, which dominate the roads of these regions.
A Crucial Step in Emissions Reduction
Electric motorcycles and three-wheelers are common in both Asia and Africa, with UNEP data showing that Asia alone has nearly 490 million of these vehicles. However, over 90% still run on petrol, contributing significantly to urban air pollution and carbon emissions. UNEP experts highlight these vehicles as a key opportunity to cut emissions, especially in cities where traffic congestion and pollution are persistent issues.
“Two- and three-wheelers represent the low-hanging fruit in both regions’ transport electrification journey,” says Rob de Jong, Head of UNEP’s Sustainable Mobility Unit. The global shift to electric mobility, experts agree, is essential to meeting the targets set by the Paris Agreement to keep global warming below 1.5°C.
In Southeast Asia, countries like Vietnam and Thailand have already embraced electric vehicles (EVs). Vietnam now boasts over 3 million electric motorcycles, while Thailand's "30@30" policy aims for 30% of vehicles produced to be electric by 2030, with corporate tax incentives and robust charging infrastructure helping drive the transition.
In the Philippines, Pasig City is taking steps to integrate electric vehicles into its public services. The local government has deployed electric two- and three-wheelers for postal services, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to reduce the city’s carbon footprint. Looking ahead, Pasig is planning to expand its EV infrastructure by installing charging stations at key public locations, including hospitals, schools, and gas stations.
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Africa Leads the Way with Progressive Policies
Meanwhile, across the Indian Ocean, African nations are also accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles. In Kenya, more than 3,200 electric motorcycles were registered by 2023, thanks to favorable policies such as tax exemptions. Ethiopia has taken the bold step of banning the import of petrol-powered vehicles, while Burundi is working on a national electric vehicle framework.
In Uganda, where transportation accounts for a significant portion of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, electric vehicles are proving to be a game-changer. Through a UNEP-led initiative, Uganda has seen a rapid increase in the number of electric motorcycles on its roads. "These electric motorbikes have transformed how we do business," says Bashir Mutumba, a delivery driver for Lulu Fish Farm. "The low cost of electricity has allowed me to earn three times what I did with petrol-powered bikes."
The transition to electric vehicles is not only helping reduce emissions but also providing economic benefits. In Uganda’s agricultural sector, businesses like Pearl Rice have integrated electric bikes into their operations, lowering transportation costs and enhancing efficiency. “It has improved our operational efficiency and strengthened our reputation as an environmentally conscious business,” says Davis Katanisa, Operations Director at Pearl Rice.
As UNEP continues to lead the charge in both Asia and Africa, its Global Electric Mobility Programme is supporting over 60 countries with US$130 million in grants. The program works alongside governments, banks, and other international organizations to foster electric mobility markets, advocate for policy changes, and build the capacity necessary to make the shift to cleaner transport a reality.
By spearheading the transition to electric two- and three-wheelers, UNEP is helping to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and provide economic opportunities in some of the world’s most polluted cities. The move toward sustainable transport in Asia and Africa is gaining momentum, and experts agree it’s a critical step in addressing the global climate crisis.
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