Transport & Mobility E-mobility: reducing imported fuel

AUTHOR: David Jarrett and Team Editor@ RDJ Publishing and RDJ Group ChiefExecutiveOfficer

With an estimated 420 000 vehicles in Namibia with Windhoek estimated to have on its register some 40 percent or 170 000 vehicles Annual growth nationally is estimated at 10 000 vehicles with a clear possibility to replace at least 10 percent annually

If a further assumption of the national fleet is taken at 44 percent being cars, this would make Windhoek home to at least 90 000 cars and the most congested urban area. This writer using data collected by our researchers then shows that Windhoek requires no less than 117 000 000 (117 million) litres of fuel annually raking in NAD 2 5 billion in forecourt sales

Had the same fleet been composed of electric vehicles it can be assumed that the sales in electricity to accomplish the same distances would be equivalent to around NAD 750 million (NAD 0 75 billion) So who wants to save money?

Electric vehicles (EVs) have garnered significant attention for their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. There currently around 100 EVs in Namibia with most based in Windhoek and being Nissan Leafs (Used) costing around NAD 200 000 – NAD 400 000 equating to the petrol engine new vehicle class such as the Volkswagen Polo or Toyota Corolla Quest price range It is worth noting that Mercedes and BMW electric vehicles are available in Windhoek.

However, the benefits of owning an EV extend far beyond just reducing emissions This is because electricity is generally cheaper than gasoline or diesel, which translates into significant savings over time Additionally, EVs have fewer moving parts, which means they require less maintenance. There is no need for oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust system repairs, and regenerative braking systems reduce wear on brake components.

EVs also offer a superior driving experience due to their instant torque and smooth acceleration thus making even the most ardent “petrolhead” drop back in their seats at “take-off” . Unlike petrol and diesel engine vehicles, which need time to build up power, electric motors deliver full torque immediately, resulting in rapid acceleration and a responsive driving feel This performance aspect is not only said to be enjoyable but also provides better handling and control, especially in urban driving conditions

For the techies, EVs are more energy-efficient than their gasoline counterparts. While internal combustion engines convert only about 20% of the energy stored in gasoline to power the wheels, electric motors can convert over 60% of the electrical energy from the grid to power the wheels This efficiency translates to lower overall energy consumption and better utilization of resources

Green Car reports note that although people keep mentioning range per “fill-up” as a concern, the average driving distance daily of a vehicle in the urban environment is limited and well under the capability of current EV models At this point, the same applies to public transport and the City of Windhoek could reap similar fuel cost savings making public transport a more viable option

Then there is a real convenience, charging at home Having the convenience of home charging is a significant advantage Thus, in Windhoek, the matter of charging can be accomplished at home while you sleep Charging an EV at home overnight using a standard household outlet or a dedicated home charging station can be more convenient thanvisitingagasstation.Thisnotonlysavestimebutalso allows owners to start each day with a fully charged vehicle.

“we could easily charge our electric car at each campsite we visited”

4x4electric.com

So there can be no denying that as the technology within EVs advance and infrastructure availability improves, the advantages of EVs are expected to grow, further solidifying their place in the future of transportation And as always, theconversationcontinuesinfocus@rdjpublishing,africa

PLEASE NOTE THAT RDJ PUBLISHING DOES NOT ENDORSE ANY BRAND MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE AND HAS NOT BEEN PAID TO ADVERTISE ANY OF THE VEHICLES MENTIONED BY NAME ALL MENTIONS HAVE BEEN FOR ILLUSTRATIONONLY!

Readings:

https://www focus2move com/namibian-auto/ https://www.globalfueleconomy.org/media/790638/namibiajul2019vehiclepopulationgrowthrate pdf https://arba app/l 100km calculator/ https://www.electricvehiclesnamibia.com/ https://4x4electric com/overlanding-all-electric-through-namibia/