MALAWI OPTIMISTIC ON ELECTRIC VEHICLES

As effects of global warming are becoming more obvious and the world is becoming more aware of the environment, consumers are choosing products that have a positive impact on the environment or have a minimal negative impact, this includes modes of transportation.

Malawi doesn’t want to be left behind as countries across Africa are embracing electric cars.

This follows an interest by a green-tech South African-based Company, Agilite, which manufactures electric vehicles and motorcycles, to invest in African countries including Malawi.

Speaking ahead of the launch of his products on Friday in South Africa, Chief Executive Officer for Agilite Dr Mandla Lamba said his company intends to penetrate Africa and would like to set up assembly plants in some countries by Christmas this year provided there is a government buy-in.

“Most African governments have not entirely adopted the use of electric vehicles and we need more education so that our people are aware of the benefits electric vehicles come along with. Even in South Africa, there are some parts where people still do not believe it is possible to drive a car without petrol, “explained Lamba.

He further said he has been in talks with some business people in Malawi and the future of EVs looks promising in the country.

Malawi is a destination for large numbers of second-hand vehicles imported mainly from Japan and it is believed that these cars emit higher levels of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and hydroflurocarbons which are all greenhouse gases that trap heat and warm the climate.

Director of Environmental Affairs in Ministry of Natural resources, Energy and Mining, Tawonga Mbale said the technology is worth embracing as the world is moving towards the use of Electric vehicles and they have environmental benefits as they can reduce emissions that contribute to climate change and smog, improve public health and reduce ecological damage.

“As Malawi, we can initially have them on trial just as we did with ethanol-powered vehicles as a way of testing the technology in our setting, as a country, we can see if it is feasible to have them depending on assessments and the economics,” said the director

Mbale further said there is a need to have adequate infrastructure to support them since the vehicles are charged using charging docks and the country needs to have trained local artisans for the service.

One of the Environmental rights activists, Mathews Malata said innovation is one of the key pillars that will help address issues of climate change both in terms of mitigation and adaptation.

He said the coming in of EVs by Agilite is a welcome development provided that there is more citizen awareness and partnerships with local companies.

“It is exciting to be part of an innovation that is very helpful and hosted in Africa, though Malawi is not the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, it’s good to be part of this milestone, “said Malata.

Agilite electric vehicles do not rely on the grid to be charged as they are powered by solar and have a backup battery.

Credit: MBC