Electric Vehicles Could Ease Pressure on Forex, Farmer Says

By Moombe Hamoobola

Livingstone-based farmer RUTH HENSON says electric vehicles are a viable alternative to fuel-powered vehicles because of their significantly lower running costs.

Ms. HENSON was commenting on President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA’s directive that Government institutions should purchase electric vehicles.

She said the move will help reduce transport costs and ease pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

Ms. HENSON said the running costs of electric vehicles can be as low as five to ten per cent of those of conventional fuel-powered vehicles, making them an attractive option for individuals, businesses and Government institutions.

She said the Government’s decision to prioritise electric vehicles is long overdue, noting that high initial purchase costs have prevented many private citizens and small businesses from making the switch.

Ms. HENSON said increased use of electric vehicles would enable Zambia to utilise more of its locally generated electricity for transport while supporting efforts to expand solar power generation.