Africa's EV imports surge as Ethiopia leads shift from fuel dependence
Updated
Updated · abcnews.com · May 9
Africa's EV imports surge as Ethiopia leads shift from fuel dependence
12 articles · Updated · abcnews.com · May 9
Africa imported 44,358 EVs from China in 2025, up from 19,386, while Ethiopia now has more than 115,000 EVs, about 8% of its national fleet.
Ethiopia, which banned new petrol and diesel vehicle imports in 2024, is accelerating adoption as fuel disruptions and subsidies strain reserves, with officials citing monthly subsidy costs of up to $128 million.
Cheap renewable power supports the transition, but blackouts, limited charging networks and high upfront vehicle prices remain obstacles as Ethiopia plans assembly plants and other African countries expand EV policies.
As Ethiopia bets its future on EVs, can its fragile power grid actually support the charge or will it create new national vulnerabilities?
With a global war disrupting oil, can Ethiopia's controversial dams provide true energy security or are they fueling a new conflict with Egypt?
Ethiopia’s 2024 ICE Vehicle Import Ban: How Africa’s First Nationwide EV Mandate Is Transforming the Economy and Grid
Overview
Ethiopia has taken a bold step by becoming the first country in the world to ban the import of petrol and diesel vehicles, positioning itself as a leader in the global electric vehicle (EV) transition. This move is driven by a strong economic imperative, leveraging the country’s abundant renewable energy—over 90% of its energy mix comes from renewables—and a vision for rapid modernization. The EV market in Ethiopia is growing quickly, with Chinese manufacturers playing a key role in both two-wheeler and passenger vehicle segments. Ethiopia’s ambitious policy has attracted international attention and highlights its commitment to sustainable development.