Over a thousand electric vehicles are now operating across Côte d’Ivoire. These quiet, fuel-efficient cars are particularly prevalent in the Vehicle for Hire (VTC) sector, offering significantly reduced operating costs. Despite this surge in adoption, several hurdles remain: high initial purchase prices, a scarcity of charging infrastructure, and a heavy reliance on imports.
In Abidjan, Mouhamed Kanaté, a VTC driver for two years, actively navigates the city’s streets in an electric vehicle. He delivers a daily revenue of 28,000 FCFA to his employer. With a background in accounting and a strong interest in environmental issues, Mouhamed chose electric mobility to cut down on daily expenses and boost his earnings. He explains, “Unlike traditional combustion vehicles, where a minimum recharge costs 20,000 FCFA, an electric car’s maximum charge is 13,000 FCFA. This allows you to operate below 20,000 FCFA and still generate a profit, enabling you to support your family and cover all your expenses. It’s truly profitable.”
The three leading VTC operators in the Ivorian market are increasingly investing in electric vehicles. Industry sources indicate that approximately 300 electric cars are currently deployed for urban transport services in Abidjan. However, the expansion of this green mobility trend faces significant hurdles. The acquisition cost remains high, with each vehicle costing no less than 14 million FCFA. Furthermore, the country’s charging station network is still limited, with only around a hundred facilities nationwide. Repairs often prove complicated, as Mouhamed Kanaté elaborates: “The difficulties primarily revolve around equipment maintenance. Mechanical parts are scarce because, given that these are imported vehicles, there aren’t many spare part distributors available yet.”
Incentives for green mobility investors
Responding to this growing demand, several dealerships are broadening their electric vehicle offerings. Sinoafrik, a representative of Chinese brands in Abidjan, now prominently features electric SUVs and sedans in its Cocody showroom. Initially, the focus was on reassuring and educating potential buyers. Reine Trésor Gosset, a sales representative, notes, “We encouraged them to learn more about the model, to understand that it’s more economical and beneficial for them. Now, there’s genuine demand; people are more interested in purchasing than just curiosity. The most sought-after models currently are those suitable for VTC services and smaller 25-seater vehicles.”
The Ministry of Transport has affirmed its commitment to supporting this transition towards more sustainable mobility, particularly through incentive measures aimed at investors. Jean-Marc Atché, the Director of Planning and Projects, explains, “Today, our investment code offers numerous facilitations designed to promote and ease the establishment of investors. We are actively supporting several ongoing projects, including plans for a major factory that will assemble electric vehicles right here in Côte d’Ivoire.”
The Ivorian State aims to lead by example, setting a target for 10% of its administrative vehicle fleet to consist of electric vehicles by the year 2030.
