Recent analyses suggest that electric vehicles (EVs) may become more affordable to own than traditional gas-powered cars in Africa by 2040, driven by advancements in battery technology and solar off-grid charging solutions. Although only 1% of new vehicles sold on the continent in 2025 are expected to be electric, the economic feasibility of EVs is rapidly improving. The study, published in Nature Energy, highlights that electric scooters, cars, and larger vehicles could achieve cost parity in numerous African nations within the next 15 years.
Despite existing barriers like inconsistent electricity grids, limited charging infrastructure, and high financing costs, the overall trend indicates a shift towards EV adoption. Bessie Noll, a senior researcher at ETH Zürich and co-author of the study, emphasized that the total cost of ownership—including purchase price, financing, and fueling—will favor EVs as their manufacturing costs decline. In fact, by 2040, EVs are projected to be cheaper than comparable gas vehicles and those powered by synthetic fuels. For two-wheelers, the transition could happen even sooner, as smaller battery systems make electric scooters economically viable by 2030.
However, the study also acknowledges significant challenges, particularly in financing. In many African regions, high-interest rates and economic instability can make borrowing for EVs more expensive than for gas vehicles. This financial barrier is compounded by the upfront costs associated with EVs, which are generally higher than those of gas-powered cars. Countries like South Africa, Mauritius, and Botswana already show financing conditions that could support EV cost parity, while higher-risk nations like Sudan and Ghana require substantial improvements in financial accessibility. As the global momentum for EV adoption continues to grow, the integration of solar-based charging systems may play a vital role in addressing the charging infrastructure gap and facilitating the transition to electric mobility across Africa.
Source: EVs could be cheaper to own than gas cars in Africa by 2040 via MIT Technology Review