Econet Chairman, Mr Strive Masiyiwa has said the electric vehicle (EV) is one of the coolest energy adaptation solutions that have emerged in modern world.
In coming up with this conclusion, Mr Masiyiwa presented interesting points. The telecoms guru alluded to the fact that most industrialised countries, including China and the European Union have announced that they will ban the sale of petrol and Diesel engine cars from 2030.
He revealed that the Chinese city of Shenzhen has more than 2 million electric cars on its roads. Most electric cars now have a range of more than 300km, after a charge which can be done at home using a normal electric socket. Mr. Masiyiwa said almost every major vehicle brand now has an electric version. Some companies like VW and Volvo have already announced plans to stop producing the diesel and petrol versions from 2025!
“If you bring in an electric car into Zimbabwe for instance; it will cost you 75% cheaper than its petrol equivalent! Here are the maths: Duty on a car brought into Zimbabwe is 100%; Cost of an EV is 25% of its petrol equivalent. So it will cost you 75% less!
“Second hand EVs are already available in Japan, EU, and China. If you consider the cost of running and maintenance, you don’t buy petrol! An EV has fewer moving parts and therefore costs less to maintain! Finally, the entrepreneurial opportunities from EVs, as they emerge in Africa is going to be explosive! Just think about it! The problem for a lot of people is that they will want to see before they believe a possibility, and by then others have already enjoyed the first mover advantage!” Mr. Masiyiwa said.
He continued: “VW is planning to build an EV assembly plant in Rwanda. Don’t say I did not warn you! There are entrepreneurs rushing to locate a position in anything from servicing, to distribution. Others want to produce batteries. What opportunities are you seeing? Don’t be so dumb as to write it here and give away your idea; just DO It!” Mr. Masiyiwa posted on Facebook.