By Dumisani Ndlovu
Gweru – The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority has commissioned Gweru’s first public electric vehicle charging system at Petrol-trade Service Station, a development that officials say will sees the country move towards making a cleaner environment for the public.
The transport sector emissions from gasoline and diesel usage in vehicles is expected to reduce its green- house emissions by about 40 percent per capita across the economy by 2030.
Zimbabwe currently has slightly more than 50 electric vehicles. The Gweru public electric vehicle charging system, becomes ZERA’s fourth after Harare, Bulawayo and Mutare.
Addressing the gathering, during the commissioning ceremony, ZERA board chairperson Dr David Madzikanda said electric vehicle charging stations are vital.
“Public electric vehicle charging stations are essential for enabling a more sustainable transportation system. that will result in reducing greenhouse gases emissions and promoting cleaner air quality for the public.
“The introduction of this electric vehicle charging station not only supports the transition to ecofriendly transportation but also demonstrates our dedication to embracing new technology for a greener future and in particular promoting and boosting use of electric vehicles in Zimbabwe,” he said.
Dr Madzikanda said the electric vehicle charging station is in line with the low carbon transport pack- age which is part of the nation’s low emission development strategy in the energy sector as worldwide demand for diesel- and petrol-powered engines is shrinking in favour of electric vehicles.
“By providing this charging infra- structure for the public, we are not only encouraging adoption of electric vehicles but also contributing to the overall efforts in combating cli- mate change,” he said.
Dr Madzikanda said it was vital that Zimbabwe develops the electric vehicle industry as the country has lithium which is raw material required in the manufacture of batteries and huge reserves of platinum, which is a metal used in fuel engines that run on hydrogen.
Petrotrade Board chairperson Michael Dodo said the milestone demonstrates their commitment and response to environmental issues which has resulted in the world shifting from carbon fuels to clean alternative energy sources in a bid to save the future from drastic consequences of global climate change.
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