Côte d’Ivoire’s VTC sector embraces electric vehicles
In Côte d’Ivoire, over a thousand electric vehicles are now actively on the roads. These silent, fuel-free cars are particularly dominant in the Vehicle for Hire (VTC) sector, offering significant operational savings. However, despite this growing adoption, several hurdles remain: a high initial purchase price, an insufficient number of charging stations, and a strong reliance on imports.
From the bustling streets of Abidjan, Mouhamed Kanaté navigates his electric vehicle, completing ride after ride. A VTC driver for two years, he pays a daily fee of 28,000 FCFA to his employer. Mouhamed, a trained accountant with a keen interest in environmental matters, chose an electric car to reduce his daily expenses and boost his profitability. “Unlike thermal vehicles, where recharging costs a minimum of 20,000 FCFA, electric cars max out at 13,000 FCFA. This means you can operate below 20,000 FCFA and still make a profit that allows you to take care of your family and cover all your charges. It’s truly profitable,” he explains.
The three leading VTC operators in the Ivorian market are increasingly investing in this vehicle type. Industry figures indicate that nearly 300 electric vehicles are currently utilized for urban transport in Abidjan. However, the expansion of this green mobility initiative faces several challenges: a high acquisition cost, with vehicles priced at no less than 14 million FCFA. Furthermore, the country’s charging infrastructure remains limited, with only about a hundred stations nationwide. Repairs can also be complex due to the scarcity of spare parts, as Mouhamed Kanaté elaborates: “The difficulties stem from equipment maintenance. Mechanical parts are rare. Since these are imported vehicles, there aren’t many spare parts dealers available yet.“
Incentives for investors
Responding to this escalating demand, several dealerships are expanding 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 customers. “We encouraged them to better understand the model, to realize that it’s even more economical and beneficial for them,” states Reine Trésor Gosset, a sales representative. “Now there’s genuine demand; people are showing more interest in purchasing than just curiosity. The most sought-after models currently are those for VTC services and smaller 25-seater cars.“
The Ministry of Transport has affirmed its commitment to supporting this transition towards greener mobility, particularly through incentive measures aimed at investors. “Today, our investment code includes numerous facilitations designed to promote and ease the establishment of investors,” explains Jean-Marc Atché, Director of Planning and Projects. “We are backing several ongoing projects, notably a major factory slated for construction, which will handle the assembly of electric vehicles right here in Côte d’Ivoire.“
The Ivorian government aims to lead by example: by 2030, 10% of the administration’s vehicle fleet is projected to consist of electric vehicles.
