An energy expert has advised the Zambian government to start using electric vehicles for their official duties to cut on expenditure.
Mr.Borniface Zulu said the vast majority of Zambia’s electricity supply comes from renewable sources such as hydroelectric power, making it fit for electric mobility.
“Cutting edge electric car battery manufacturing is set to begin in Zambia and the Democratic Republican of Congo, which has presented an exciting opportunity for growth and investment,” Mr. Zulu said.
He said government needs to take steps to promote and provide confidence in the use of electric vehicles because it has benefits such as cutting on expense on fuel.
Mr. Zulu said the government can start by educating the public about the benefits of electric cars through campaigns, events and can also partner with Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
Meanwhile, Esther Banda an economist said that it is important for government to set a road map for the country by purchasing electric car vehicles because it will encourage citizens to switch to electric cars as well.
“It is possible and not an easy thing but it can be done in either a short term or long term because as country we produce and export copper,” Ms. Banda said.
Ms. Banda added that the structure of an electric vehicle is made up of 70 percent copper and cobalt which the country currently has in abundance.
She emphasized that government can look for foreign investors from different organizations and brands that are not expensive such as Toyota Zambia to help with production.
She said there is also a need for improvement from the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) so that government can create employment for Zambian citizens who studied electrical and mechanical engineering.