Ghanaian commercial drivers and private car owners express a strong willingness to adopt electric vehicles (EVs), primarily motivated by significant fuel cost savings. A recent study, published in Frontiers in Sustainable Energy Policy, surveyed 800 drivers across Accra, Tema, Kumasi, and Takoradi. The research found that drivers are ready to switch if EVs genuinely reduce their daily operational expenses.
The study, led by Dr. Ebenezer Arthur Duncan, highlights a critical alignment between personal motivation and environmental factors for EV adoption. Drivers who understood tax incentives showed a much stronger intention to consider electric vehicles. However, the scarcity of public charging stations and the high initial cost of EVs remain major deterrents. One Kaneshie driver plainly stated, "If the car saves me fuel money, I will buy it. But if there is nowhere to charge it, what should I do?"
This readiness for EVs fits into Ghana's broader economic and environmental goals. Transport accounts for about 45 percent of national carbon emissions, according to the Energy Commission. Shifting to electric vehicles could significantly reduce air pollution in major cities like Accra and Kumasi. It would also decrease Ghana's reliance on imported fuel, which currently stands at about 70 percent. This reduction in fuel imports could save foreign exchange and help stabilize the Ghana cedi against global oil price fluctuations.
Dr. Duncan's research used Social Cognitive Theory to understand driver behavior. It found that awareness of tax incentives, combined with environmental consciousness, significantly increased the likelihood of drivers considering an EV. The study also noted that drivers learn from each other at union hubs like GPRTU and PROTOA, observing the benefits of fuel savings. This 'observational learning' is crucial for wider adoption.
The implications for Ghana's energy and transport sectors are substantial. Policymakers could accelerate EV adoption by publicizing incentives in local languages at driver hubs. Linking tax waivers to verified use in commercial fleets, such as taxis and buses, could also be effective. Establishing visible charging and battery swap points at lorry stations and commercial centers is also vital. This strategic sequencing, starting with high-use commercial operators, mirrors successful EV transitions in other African nations like Rwanda and Kenya.
Globally, EV adoption has surged where governments aligned incentives with infrastructure. Norway, for example, removed VAT and import tax on EVs in the 1990s and built extensive charging networks. Today, over 80 percent of new cars sold there are electric. China offered subsidies and charging infrastructure, making brands like BYD competitive. The United States provided federal credits of 7,500 dollars, alongside state incentives, to encourage middle-class buyers.
For Ghanaian drivers, the benefits are tangible. Electricity per kilometer is a third to half cheaper than petrol. EVs also have lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts and no oil changes. Beyond personal savings, cleaner air means fewer respiratory problems, especially for drivers exposed to traffic fumes daily. Furthermore, a local EV industry, including charging hubs, battery servicing, and assembly of two and three-wheelers, could create new jobs that cannot be outsourced.
While the study focused on intentions and beliefs among 800 unionized operators, it provides a clear roadmap. The transition to EVs will not happen overnight. However, strong intentions are the starting point for any major shift. Ten years ago, few Ghanaians intended to use mobile money; today, it is ubiquitous because knowledge, environment, and capability aligned. A similar alignment is now needed for electric vehicles in Ghana.