Feasibility of electric two and three-wheelers in Africa

Abstract

Due to the less stringent emission technology requirement, motorized two and three-wheelers (2&3W) generate more pollutants than cars. About 20% of the world's registered motorcycles are known to be in Africa. Vehicle pollution is one of the major causes of death and health problems in Africa. The electrification of transportation provides an opportunity for E2&3W in Africa. To assess this transition, this study quantifies the number of E2&3W present in some African countries. Surveys of electric vehicle start-ups, drivers, and owner experiences are used to determine the E2&3W's technical feasibility and ability to compete with petrol scooters (p-scooters). SimaPro 9.4 software together with Ecoinvent 3.8 database was used to conduct a cradle-to-the-grave analysis of the environmental impact of using electric scooters (e-scooters). The research found that Africa's E2&3W's have a 0.2% market share compared to gasoline versions. The main disadvantage of e-scooters is their limited range and battery life. The average range and speed are 50 ​km and 50 ​km/h, respectively. Overloading of E2&3W caused damage to traction motors and was of major concern to distributors. The main advantages of E2&3W are their low operating costs and low environmental impact. In South Africa, the total environmental impact of e-scooters outweighed that of p-scooters. Emissions that have a direct impact on human health, were significantly lower for e-scooters than for p-scooters. The lack of battery performance standards, battery swapping station standards, and charging station standards negatively affects the quality of imported e-scooters. African countries need to implement electric vehicle standards, and battery recycling policies, and establish electric vehicle training and research centers.