China automaker debuts NEVs in Ethiopia

Chinese automaker GAC debuted two new energy vehicles in Ethiopia on Saturday, expected to boost Ethiopia's green transport transition.

The two vehicles, AION Y Plus and ES9, offer both pure electric and plug-in hybrid options for consumers, and more locally tailored vehicles will be introduced by the company to the Ethiopian market in the future, Wei Haigang, president of GAC International, said during the unveiling ceremony in Addis Ababa.

Bareo Hassen, Ethiopia's minister of state for transport and logistics, welcomed Chinese EV technology, adding it will help the East African country to combat climate change and build a sustainable future.

"Chinese automobiles are at the forefront of electric vehicle technology," he said.

Ethiopia has taken aggressive measures in recent years to phase out fossil fuel cars and encourage the adoption of EVs to reduce reliance on importing oil and reduce air pollution and emissions. The country has passed a law on adopting EVs, which details a range of incentives, including tax reduction, to make EVs more affordable.

According to Ethiopia's Ministry of Transport and Logistics, the overwhelming majority of electric vehicles being sold in the Ethiopian market are made in China, due to reasons such as higher production efficiency and more affordable batteries.

Ethiopia's Investment Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen said Ethiopia is committed to sustainability and the government will also consider enabling Ethiopian assembly plants for EVs to create jobs and boost the economy.