Kenya Accelerates Electric Vehicle Adoption Amidst Global E-Mobility Surge
Kenya is experiencing a surge in electric vehicle and motorcycle adoption, influenced by a global trend where electric vehicle sales rose by 25%. The IEA reports that EVs accounted for over 20% of global car sales in 2024. While the consumption of electricity in Kenya’s e-mobility sector has increased significantly, it remains a small percentage of total energy use, dominated by industrial consumption.
Kenya is witnessing a notable rise in electric vehicle (EV) and motorcycle adoption, aligning with the global trend towards electric mobility. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports a global increase of 25% in EV sales in 2024, totaling over 17 million units, a growth from less than 14 million in 2023. Notably, EVs constituted more than 20% of worldwide car sales during this time.
China remains the foremost leader in electric vehicle adoption, accounting for nearly two-thirds of global sales and achieving an impressive annual growth rate of almost 40%. In parallel, emerging markets beyond China registered substantial growth, with EV sales increasing by 80% year-on-year. Kenya’s own electric mobility sector has experienced a remarkable 466% surge in energy consumption over six months ending December 2024.
According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), energy consumed in Kenya’s electric mobility sector rose from 0.32 GWh to 1.81 GWh, underlying a significant growth in electric vehicles and motorcycles. Despite this progress, e-mobility still represents merely 0.03% of the country’s total energy consumption.
EPRA also reports that industrial users remain the largest consumers of electricity in Kenya, utilizing 2,807.10 GWh, which reflects a boost in industrial activity. Domestic electricity consumption reached 1,728.19 GWh and small commercial enterprises consumed 902.94 GWh. Noteworthy is the decline in street lighting energy usage, which fell to 44.48 GWh, accounting for 0.81% of total energy consumption overall.
The rise in electric vehicle adoption in Kenya mirrors a significant global shift toward e-mobility, with rising sales figures reflecting increasing concern for environmental issues. While electric mobility in Kenya is growing, it still constitutes a small fraction of overall energy consumption. The continued growth in both industrial and domestic energy consumption suggests a complex landscape that combines advancements in electric mobility with traditional energy sectors.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
