This is mainly because the batteries of electric vehicles contain a number of different metals that require a more complicated recycling process. To make this transition as green as possible, it is important that Sahelian countries develop programs to dispose of and recycle batteries appropriately. This is especially relevant for Ouagadougou, where renewable sources account for only 17 percent of total electricity production right now, compared to 47 percent in Mali. These environmental gains will be even higher as the electricity mix gets greener, which Mali and Burkina Faso have been actively pushing for. The transition from ICE to electric 2&3W in Sahelian cities could reduce CO2 equivalent emissions per km by around 30 percent over the life cycle of a motorcycle, and around 50 percent for a scooter. In 2016, ambient (outdoor) air pollution was responsible for the loss of 357,039 years of ‘healthy’ life in Burkina Faso and another 396,308 and years of ‘healthy’ life in Mali. Today, 2&3W that run on an internal combustion engine contribute to more than 50 percent of total CO2 vehicle emissions and 60-75 percent of harmful air pollutants emitted by vehicles in Ouagadougou and Bamako. Electric 2&3W offer a tremendous opportunity to tackle CO2 emissions and air pollution in Sahelian cities.

Finally, most two-wheelers can be easily recharged in a few hours via a standard plug at home or at a commercial location, which means that, unlike electric cars or buses, they do not require the deployment of extensive charging infrastructure to become a viable transport option.Īre electric two and three-wheelers really better for climate and the environment? Second, smaller vehicles are obviously cheaper to purchase, making them more appealing to low-income residents with limited financing options. Today, 2&3Ws account for three out of four vehicles in Ouagadougou and two out of three vehicles in Bamako. First, small vehicles like two-wheelers are already the dominant mode of transport in many Sahelian cities and trends show that they will continue growing. In the cities of the Sahel and across Africa, the eMobility transition will likely start with small vehicles such as 2&3W. To understand the impact of this transition and address the potential challenges, our team took a close look at the electrification of two- and three-wheelers in the Sahel, with a particular focus on Bamako (Mali) and Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). Did you know that 90 percent of electric vehicles that are currently operating around the world are two- and three-wheelers (2&3W)? And that 20 percent of the world’s 2&3W are electric? Although most electric 2&3W today are concentrated in Asia, these vehicles are expected to grab a significant portion of the Africa transport market over the next few years.

World for two two by two