IN a significant stride towards combating air pollution and reducing fuel dependency, Ethiopia has unveiled its electric bus service in the bustling streets of Addis Ababa. Naol Abera, among the initial passengers to experience this eco-friendly mode of transport, expressed enthusiasm over the comfort and speed of the electric bus.
‘It is my first time on an electric bus. I am thrilled to see electric vehicles introduced in Ethiopia. The bus is very comfortable and travels quickly, helping passengers save time,’ Abera told Xinhua news agency.
The electric buses, assembled locally by Belayneh Kindie Metal Engineering Complex, in collaboration with Chinese company Golden Dragon, mark a pivotal step in Ethiopia’s endeavour towards green transport. Besufekad Shewaye, the general manager of the Ethiopian company, emphasised the positive features of these buses, including their faster speed and spacious interior design.
‘The interior design of the bus is very nice. It travels faster than a diesel-powered bus. Inside, there is good illumination and ample space,’ Abera reiterated, emphasising the benefits of electric buses in reducing air pollution and transportation shortages in the city.
Notably, the introduction of electric buses aligns with the Ethiopian government’s strategic plan to ban the importation of gasoline or diesel vehicles, accelerating the transition to electric mobility. Mohamed Mussa, an electric bus driver, underscored the environmental benefits, noting that electric buses produce no noise or carbon emissions, thus reducing sound and air pollution in city centres.
‘The electric bus produces no noise or carbon emissions, hence no sound or air pollution,’ Mussa highlighted.
With a full battery charge, these electric buses can travel up to 370 km, offering a sustainable and efficient public transportation solution. The success of the electric bus initiative has prompted the Ministry of Transport and Logistics to revise its strategic plan, aiming to import 439,000 electric vehicles within the next decade.
Moreover, plans are underway to introduce larger electric buses equipped with WiFi, catering to government offices and public enterprises. About 30 electric buses are currently undergoing assembly at the local plant, promising a greener and more technologically advanced transportation system for Ethiopia’s capital city.