In order to increase the assembly centers of electric vehicles... he said, in the coming years, work is being done to increase the assembly centers of electric vehicles in the country to 60...

To increase the number of electric vehicle assembly centers... In the coming years, efforts are being made to increase the number of electric vehicle assembly centers in the country to 60, said the Ministry of Transport and Logistics. Minister of State for Transport and Logistics Berrio Hassan told Fana Media Corporation that efforts are being made to increase the sector's use of electricity in order to escape from the challenges associated with oil dependence. He said that now more than 100 thousand electric vehicles have entered Ethiopia and plans are being made to increase this to 500 thousand in the coming years. He mentioned that there are currently 17 electric vehicle assembly centers in the country and it is planned to increase to 60. He said that instructions have been passed to convert all vehicle assemblies into electric vehicle assemblies. He stated that gas stations have been directed to have charging centers for electric vehicles and explained that financial and non-financial support is being provided to entities engaged in the supply of electric vehicles. He pointed out that gasoline-powered household automobiles have been banned since 2016 and that all government vehicle purchases have shifted to electric vehicles. He also explained that the government has tax-free electric vehicles that are assembled in the country, 15 percent for those that are fully assembled from abroad and 5 percent for those that are half-assembled. He stated that there will be a price reduction for electric vehicle users on the new vehicle license plate and that electric vehicles will be asked to post a green license plate. He pointed out that public-private partnership has started in Addis Ababa in the field of mass transport and talks are being held to involve foreign investors in partnership. He pointed out that because the crisis in the Middle East is disrupting the supply of fuel, it is necessary to change driving habits, use mass transportation options, and focus on walking and non-motorized activities.