Ghanaian mechanics are begining to question how Electric Vehicles (EV) would operate fully in the country without the right infrastructure.
As many citizens show interest in the importation and use of EV brands continue to rise, mechanics in the country say, they aren’t sure of the prospect of the new vehicle.
The market for EV appears to have expanded in the country in the last one year following increasing demand and importation of the brand
Interestingly, Mechanics at Kokompe, the industrial hub of Takoradi in Western Region who are working on faulty vehicles within the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Area, say,+ they have not started recording EVs in their shops despite the rising demand and importation of the brand. +
They contended that the EV market in the country is currently at a nascent stage, although tortoise progress has been made in the last year and more numbers of EVs are being recorded in the regional capitals where commercial activities are constantly peaking and demand for various vehicular types continue to increase.
While the EVs brands are yet to catch up fully in the local Ghanaian market despite its popularity globally, government is also working assiduously to put in the right infrastructure in place capable of hosting the brands.
Industry players say the brand is still far from being embraced by all car users and developed into its full potential in the country.
This is because, many car users, car dealers, and especially mechanics in the country, still remain adamant and skeptical about the strength and security of Electric Vehicles.
Speaking in an interview with Metro News, Alexander Arthur, one of the senior mechanics at the industrial hub of Takoradi expressed anxiety about the introduction of EVs into the Ghanaian market.
He called for capacity building of mechanics to understand the operations and dynamics of Electric Vehicles
Government is working assiduously to promote the use of EVs due to the propensity to address carbon emissions and global warming.
The cost effectiveness, reduction in consumption of fuel, control of fuel importation, and ultimately the potential key it holds in the energy sector to address environmental pollution and other notable challenges.
In Ghana currently, there are several initiatives underway, including development of charging infrastructure and introduction of companies engaged in manufacturing and assembling of electric vehicles for the Ghanaian market.
But mechanics who would be working on faulty Electric Vehicles are still in the dark, they want adequate training in the area of EVs to be able to meet the new challenge the introduction of EVs would likely pose
Mohammed Musah, one of the executive mechanics working on all kinds of vehicles said mechanics in the country are not being involved or engaged by government following the introduction of EVs
Experts in the car business say the electric cars approximately will save Ghanaians about fifty percent (50%) of money usually spent on purchasing fuel and also help keep the environment tidy from vehicular emissions while promoting clean energy campaign.
The mechanics in the Oil City of Ghana (Takoradi), however, say the use and promotion of EVs though tough would eventually catch up.
“It is a clear indication that Ghana is slowly coming to terms with the importance of tackling issues of climate change head-on, and moving from Internal Combustion Engine vehicles to electric vehicles,” the mechanics said.
To this end, they called on the government to support them to get themselves readied for the task ahead.
Emmanuel Ackon, shared his many years of experience in the car repairing industry and appealed to government to involve mechanics in the preparatory process for full introduction of EVs into the country
Amoako Andoh, another key stakeholder, who has worked on hundreds of vehicles over the years, said the introduction of EVs was laudable though challenging.
Ghana’s Ministry of Energy estimates that there are currently 17,000 Electric Vehicles in use in Ghana.
According to the Ministry, Ghana currently has about 17,000 plug-in Electric Vehicles usage in the country and the number could increase astronomically depending on the rising interest and intricacies of the EV importation business, its manufacturing and assembling processes in Ghana.
Globally, the electric car markets are seeing exponential growth as sales exceeded 10 million in 2022.
The share of electric cars in total sales, has more than tripled in three years, from around 4% in 2020 to 14% in 2022. EV sales are expected to continue strongly through 2023.
By: Zambaga Rufai Saminu | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
