In recent years, electric vehicles have gradually become a part of daily life in Côte d’Ivoire. This change is evident in the increasing number of electric vehicles purchased for personal and urban transportation, particularly the widespread use of Chinese brand NETA electric vehicles by VTC (vehicle-driven tour bus) drivers.
The introduction of electric vehicles is part of the Ivorian authorities’ policy to address pollution, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and achieve “clean transportation,” aiming to promote sustainable development. However, are all the necessary conditions in place? Can the Ivorians adapt to this transition?
China is currently a significant contributor to the 100% electric and zero-emission vehicle market in Côte d’Ivoire. At the end of 2022, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara held a telephone conversation, agreeing to strengthen cooperation in the field of new energy.
Chinese Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire Wu Jie stated that in recent years, an increasing number of Chinese new energy vehicles have entered the Ivorian market, providing the public with a brand-new driving experience. He mentioned that to ensure the smooth running of the 34th Africa Cup of Nations, the Chinese government donated six electric buses to the organizing committee.
Green development is a crucial factor in high-quality development. Ambassador Wu pointed out that China is accelerating its green transformation, promoting green technology innovation, and popularizing and applying advanced green technologies.
In recent years, “three new” products made in China—electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products—have been widely welcomed globally, providing strong impetus for green and low-carbon transformation.
He pledged that China is willing to cooperate with Côte d’Ivoire and other African countries to deepen cooperation in high-quality new energy industries, help these countries develop their own new energy industries, and jointly create a bright future for China-Côte d’Ivoire and China-Africa cooperation.
BYD-CFAO
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BYD Enters the Ivory Coast Market
BYD, a leading global manufacturer of new energy vehicles and high-power batteries, officially launched its brand in Côte d’Ivoire on March 27th in partnership with CFAO Africa, becoming the first electric vehicle brand to enter the West African market.
BYD’s reasons for entering the Ivory Coast market include the Ivorian government’s support for electric mobility, strategic partnerships, and its commitment to technological innovation for social benefit. By seizing these opportunities, the company not only expands its global influence but also contributes to the sustainable transportation development of Côte d’Ivoire, helping the country achieve a greener and more prosperous future.
Tariff Issues
Despite the environmental advantages of electric vehicles, current tax policies are unfavorable for their import at customs. Low-horsepower, environmentally friendly vehicles should be encouraged, but the current tax arrangements increase their costs, leading to market imbalances.
Awedé Hugues Irénée, Head of Regulations and Disputes at the Ivorian General Customs Service, disagrees. He points out that Ivory Coast applies the same tariff rates to imported vehicles as CEDEAO member states such as Togo and Benin.
For new cars, the tax base is the purchase price; for used cars, it is based on the market valuation according to brand or age.
Tourist vehicles (cars and 4x4s) are subject to a 20% import tax. Commercial vehicles (masas or pickup trucks) and vehicles used for transporting goods or people are subject to a 10% import tax. Special-purpose vehicles (heavy machinery) are subject to a 5% import tax.
Tourist vehicles (sedans and SUVs) are subject to a 20% import tax. Commercial vehicles (such as Massas or pickup trucks) and vehicles used to transport goods or people are subject to a 10% import tax. Special-purpose vehicles (heavy machinery) are subject to a 5% import tax.
The Ivorian government plans to promote electric vehicles in the transportation sector and deploy charging stations in cities. Despite this vision, Côte d’Ivoire currently lacks legislation regarding electric vehicles and charging stations. To address this, the government has established a special committee to study regulations for electric transportation.
This committee, coordinated by the Ministry of Transport and through the Internal Transport Regulatory Authority (ARTI), aims to achieve its goals of addressing global climate change and developing green transportation. It has drafted a regulatory bill on the import, operation, and scrapping of electric vehicles.
Côte d’Ivoire is seeking more sustainable transportation, and the introduction of electric vehicles is seen as a powerful measure to reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life for urban residents. The government has already taken some steps, such as procuring electric vehicles for administrative departments.
However, to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in the VTC (Vehicle Transportation Corporation) industry, more measures are needed, such as financial incentives like purchase tax breaks and tariff exemptions, to encourage VTC companies to invest in electric vehicle fleets.
Even before the policy was officially introduced, some Chinese investors had already begun promoting electric VTCs (Vehicle-to-Everything) in Côte d’Ivoire.
Mr. Wang, head of a zero-emission transportation company, stated that they have been importing electric vehicles since 2021. He chose Côte d’Ivoire because of the country’s high electricity coverage rate, which increased from 33% in 2011 to 88% in 2023, with a national goal of 100% by 2025.
He revealed that they have already imported 60 electric vehicles and expect to exceed 100 by the end of 2024. He called for lower tariffs on electric vehicles and the establishment of charging stations in the public sector to accelerate their adoption.
Atchin, an electric VTC driver, stated that using electric vehicles is more economical, affordable, and worry-free. He shared, “Before, when driving a gasoline car, I spent 26,000 F on fuel every day, but only earned 22,000 F, resulting in a loss of 4,000 F. Now, with an electric vehicle, the charging cost is 13,000 F, while the income reaches 25,000 F.” He added, “Customers like electric vehicles; they find them quiet and comfortable.”
Kouakou Evrad, Deputy Director of Finance and Accounting at the Ivory Coast National Parks and Nature Reserves Authority (OIPR), emphasized that ensuring electricity availability is crucial for a smooth transition to electric vehicles and requires collaboration with the private sector and civil society to promote investment in charging infrastructure. “We also need to raise public awareness of the advantages of electric vehicles and the importance of energy conservation and environmental protection.”
Furthermore, establishing a dense and reliable public charging network in major cities and along key transportation routes is essential. Given the unique characteristics of the Ivorian power grid, using innovative solutions such as solar power to power charging stations is also a viable option.
Finally, public education on the advantages of electric vehicles and training electric vehicle maintenance technicians are equally important.
