Electric vehicles here to stay

Government has started transitioning its motor vehicle fleet from fossil fuels to electric vehicles (EVs), as it nears completion of a policy framework to guide the process and help cut transport costs as guided by President Hakainde Hichilema.

During the official opening of the 14th National Assembly in Lusaka on Friday, President Hakainde Hichilema said the Government had changed its policy from relying on fossil-fuel-powered vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce the high cost of running its fleet.

Special Assistant to the President for Policy Compliance Joseph Lungu reiterated that President Hakainde Hichilema had directed that the next procurement of Government motor vehicles should be electric.

“This is basically to try and cut down on the cost of running vehicles that run on fossil fuel. I know some people may doubt it but it’s happening already because Cabinet Office has procured, so why should they be doubting when it’s already happening,” he said.

Mr Lungu said in an interview yesterday that the transition would be gradual and had already started at State House and Cabinet Office.

And Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Permanent Secretary Douty Chibamba said his ministry was working with the …