Electric vehicles (EVs) are steadily gaining traction in Cote d'Ivoire, particularly in the ride-hailing sector, as drivers seek to reduce fuel expenses and operating costs.

In Abidjan, many drivers working with ride-hailing platforms such as Yango are switching to Chinese-made electric vehicles, citing lower maintenance costs, longer driving ranges and improved passenger comfort.

Drivers estimate they can reduce daily operating costs by between 30 and 40% compared with conventional petrol-powered vehicles, making EVs an increasingly attractive option for commercial transport.

For electric vehicle driver Cisse Abass Loukmane, the benefits extend beyond fuel savings.

"In my opinion, Chinese electric vehicles are of excellent quality. They are fast, durable and comfortable. Their batteries have a long lifespan and the air conditioning is excellent."

"My vehicle, for example, can travel around 400 kilometers on a single charge, which lasts me a week. Electric vehicles require no special maintenance as there are no oil changes to perform."

Infrastructure Gaps Slow Wider EV Adoption

Despite growing interest, the transition to electric mobility continues to face significant obstacles.

Drivers say the shortage of public charging stations and specialised repair centres remains one of the biggest barriers to wider adoption.

Loukmane says greater government support is needed to build confidence among motorists considering the switch.

"The only challenges are the lack of specialized repair shops and charging stations. This is why we are asking the Ivorian government to address the situation by increasing the number of charging points and repair shops."

Vehicle dealerships are responding to rising demand by expanding their electric vehicle offerings.

Companies such as Huanyu Auto and distributors including Sinoafrik are introducing a wider range of electric sedans and SUVs aimed at both private motorists and commercial operators.

Huanyu Auto Sales Manager Kenny Li says Chinese manufacturers are increasingly well-positioned in Cote d'Ivoire's market.

"Our Chinese electric cars are well-regarded in the market, though they face competition from fuel-powered vehicles such as the Jetour and Changan models. Based on our deliveries and current market trends, demand continues to grow.

"The government has the capacity to provide the necessary infrastructure for these vehicles. They also have the potential to improve environmental sustainability and transform the electric vehicle landscape."

Government Targets Greener Transport Future

Cote d'Ivoire's government has made electric mobility a key part of its strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower dependence on fossil fuels.

Authorities aim for electric vehicles to account for 10% of the public administration fleet by 2030 while expanding charging infrastructure across the country.

According to Atche Jean Marc, Deputy Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs, Cote d'Ivoire's electric vehicle fleet has grown rapidly over the past two years.

"We now have a fleet of more than two thousand electric vehicles. Just two years ago, Cote d'Ivoire's electric vehicle fleet stood at around four hundred units."

The government plans to significantly increase charging capacity through a nationwide rollout of solar-powered charging stations.

"Our aim is to install a minimum of 500 or 600 charging points, or even 1,000. Once our current project is implemented, it will enable the installation of 300 solar-powered charging points nationwide. Our target is to have 5,480 vehicles by 2035."

Industry analysts say the economic case for electric mobility is already becoming evident. Electricity costs for the 349-kilometer journey between Abidjan and Bouake are less than half the equivalent fuel costs for conventional vehicles. Meanwhile, local assembly of electric vehicles is beginning to reduce prices further, making the technology increasingly accessible to consumers.

As investment in charging infrastructure and local manufacturing gathers pace, Cote d'Ivoire is positioning itself as one of West Africa's emerging leaders in the transition to cleaner transport.