Brook Asegid is a car importer who has brought over 10 electric vehicles (EVs) in the last two years. He intends to bring only electric-powered cars henceforth.

Brook noticed the demand for electric Volkswagens - ID4 and ID6 editions - going for around 5.5 million Br has picked up recently. They require an 11-hour charging period to be full and can go for about 450Kms without recharge. The charging time can be lowered using fast chargers provided separately. However, its frequent use may diminish the battery’s life span.

Brook’s office is near Tikur Anbessa Hospital in the Teklehaimanot neighbourhood. But he showcases the EVs he imports at a car mart near the Lebu Mebrathail area, a lot with a wide space where no more than seven vehicles were displayed two weeks ago.

“Demand is higher than ever,” Brook told Fortune. “Especially in the last few months.”

He may refer to the policy move by the administration of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) in discouraging the imports of fossil fuel-powered vehicles after it slashed the duty tariff on electric car imports to a mere 15pc. It is a decision aligned with an ever-expanding climate change lobby, where countries worldwide have had to consider renewable energy sources to power their economies. The Administration wants to accelerate its efforts towards what its officials often describe as a “greener economy”.

A significant transition is shifting from petrol towards an electric-powered transportation ecosystem. The Administration has developed a 10-year strategic plan to introduce 4,800 electric buses and 148,000 electric vehicles on the roads across the country.

Reducing tariffs to a historical low pushed local demand for electric cars. However, many remain with little to no familiarity with what it means to own an electric car. Despite their growing popularity, electric vehicles have a history of over a century, with attempts to manufacture them as early as the 1800s. Brands such as the Woods Phaeton had a range of 28Km and cost 2,000 dollars. Technology has progressed since then.

Various Tesla models are high-performance vehicles manufactured by a company Elon Musk established. Buying one in the local market could cost upward of 13 million Br, depending on the model. Their battery life and specifications are no different from Volkswagen though.

Brook, who drives a gas-guzzling AUDI, hopes to transition as he sees the fuel cost to be unreasonably high.

The garage owner and driver of the Volkswagen ID4, Gezahegn Desta, is content with his car. He is ecstatic to save up to 10,000 Br a month, avoiding fuel costs. With battery packs ranging between 65Kwh and 78Kwh, the range can be extended to reduce charging time, says Gezahegn. He fears the battery replacement, which costs 300,000 Br, will be a setback with the rising inflation. The long-time garage owner said most elements are unique except the tyres and braking system, which leaves little to no requirement for maintenance.

“The need for mechanics and technicians will drop if EVs control the market,” he said.

Nearly 10,000 electric vehicles, including semi- and completely, knocked down parts, were imported last year, estimated to value 44.3 billion Br. It was double the number brought the year before for 15.9 billion Br; China accounted for 90pc of these cars buyers in Ethiopia acquired.

Michael Getachew has been one of the electric car owners in the capital since he bought an EV from Green Teck four months ago for 2.2 million Br. Manufactured by the Chinese Dongfeng, the Fukang Jan 450 model takes nine hours to fully charge 45Kwh power, allowing Michael to drive for 300km. He drives close to a 20Km commute daily but does not dare go past the city peripheries. He enjoys not contemplating fuel prices, motor oils and the hassle of servicing a petrol car. He charges at home with a 100 Br electric card.

Haileab Tesfu is a salesman of electric vehicles who admires the technical prowess of these cars. But the major drawback is the charging period which made him suggest that people should buy electric cars as a secondary use or for short commutes. He believes that spending half an hour at a fast-charging station is a long time for someone with a hectic schedule. The possibility of not being able to drive out of the capital, fearing uncertainties such as a power outage, is unsettling for Haileab.

The absence of charging stations outside the capital, where there are 46 charging stations, seems to be a concern for most potential EV buyers. This is about to change, according to Tatek Negash, director of communications at the Ministry of Transport & Logistics (MoTL).

“We’re working on projects to expand charging stations outside the capital,” he told Fortune.

The Ministry is working on building 20,000 charging stations in the coming decade while encouraging electric car importers and assemblers to build their own stations. It has identified 1,119 gas stations in the capital and towns such as Adama, Debre Berhan and Dukem, with interests in adding an electric alternative to their service.

A few charging stations have been built in the Ministry compound around the Stadium area. Small white cars with the ‘Go Green Africa’ logo are lined up in the Ministry’s premises plugged into loosely hanging cables.