Internal combustion engines still reign supreme in Zimbabwe, but electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction with cost-effective and eco-friendly edges as the world gravitates toward green mobility. Zimbabwe’s electric vehicle (EV) market is steadily growing as more consumers transition away from gas-powered cars.
People look at a GWM electric vehicle in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Nov. 15, 2024. (Photo by Tafara Mugwara/Xinhua)
The Rise of EVs in Zimbabwe
Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction in Zimbabwe, thanks to lower fuel costs, reduced maintenance needs, and government incentives like reduced import duties. At the same time, consumer attitudes are shifting. One of the biggest reasons for the shift to EVs is fluctuating fuel prices.
With constant ups and downs in gasoline costs, many people find the stable pricing of electricity far more appealing. Environmental awareness is another major factor. More consumers are looking to reduce their carbon footprint and improve urban air quality.
Tafadzwa Nyabuta, marketing officer for ZIMOCO, the official distributor of Great Wall Motor (GWM) in Zimbabwe, told Xinhua that EVs are growing popular in this southern African country. "We do have the ORA 03 fully-electric vehicle available in the local market. This vehicle has attracted significant interest because electric vehicles are still something very new here. So we thought let's go ahead of the curve and bring a vehicle we can showcase to people, get them to understand the technology, the charging mechanisms, and how the vehicle works," Nyabuta revealed in a recent interview.
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Felix Nazombe, a Harare resident, found himself enchanted with the chic design of the ORA 03 automobiles. "The vehicle looks very beautiful and quite spacious. We would like to drive something like that here."
Government Initiatives and Incentives
The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) in Zimbabwe is gaining momentum, thanks to a mix of government initiatives and strategic incentives. One major factor is the reduction in import duties on fully electric vehicles. As part of the 2025 national budget, these duties have been cut from 40% to 25%, making EVs more accessible to consumers.
To further support this transition, the government is channeling significant resources into infrastructure and renewable energy projects. Government incentives, including a reduction of import tax duties on electric vehicles (EVs) from 40 to 25 %, are propelling Zimbabwe towards greater EV adoption. This aligns the country with global trends promoting environmentally friendly ways of transportation.
Mangaliso Ndlovu, Zimbabwe's minister of industry and commerce, said the local automotive sector has to catch up with modern developments in the evolving automotive industry. "They know that they can only adapt or die. So there is only one option, and we are pushing toward that direction," Ndlovu told Xinhua.
According to Washington Zhakata, director of Climate Change Management in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, the shift towards EVs is inevitable. “Countries that are producing oil have been obliged under multilateral environmental agreements to reduce oil production and switch to renewable energy,” he explains. “So, the issue of electric vehicles is inevitable. We can’t run away from it.”
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Zhakata also notes that EV adoption is already under way in Zimbabwe. “Several companies are starting to market electric vehicles, including motorcycles. By 2030, we expect a transformation in the transport mix from fossil fuel-based energy to renewable sources,” he says.
This intervention is outlined in the country’s 2025 national budget, which was presented by Zimbabwe's Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube, late last year. Though it is still relatively high, the import duty on electric vehicles has now been reduced from 40 percent to 25 percent. "Cognisant of the need to promote the use of eco-friendly vehicles, which will result in reduced carbon emissions, I propose to reduce customs duty on electric motor vehicles, with effect from 1 January 2025," said Ncube while presenting the national budget.
At the same time, the government also extended duty rebates for equipment used to establish solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations in different parts of Zimbabwe. With the electricity situation in Zimbabwe still subdued and deterring many people from investing in electric vehicles, the rebate on solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations will go a long way in driving the EV revolution in the country.
Zimbabwe is renowned as a producer of lithium, an indispensable component of lithium-ion batteries. The African country is currently promoting the adoption of new energy vehicles and targeting a 33 percent market penetration of EVs by 2030.
Available EV Models and Costs
Zimbabwe’s electric vehicle (EV) market now boasts a variety of options from global manufacturers. Popular brands such as Tesla, Nissan, and BYD are now available through platforms like EV24.africa, which simplifies the buying and delivery process. Mercedes-Benz has made its mark in the luxury EV segment with the EQS sedan. Nissan continues to be a favorite with its Leaf, a globally recognized electric vehicle. MINI brings its iconic compact design into the electric market with the 2024 MINI Electric. Tesla has also entered Zimbabwe’s EV market, known for its advanced features and strong performance.
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The Nissan Leaf offers the most affordable entry into EV ownership, with 2018 models priced at $7,200. For those seeking a blend of modern technology and iconic design, the 2024 MINI Electric is priced at $16,650. At the high end, the Mercedes-Benz EQS is available for $50,250. With prices ranging from $7,200 to over $50,000, Zimbabwe’s EV market accommodates a variety of budgets and preferences.
Buyers can choose based on their specific needs, whether they’re looking for an affordable commuting car or a high-end luxury vehicle. Charging speeds and driving ranges vary significantly between models, with newer vehicles generally offering faster charging and longer ranges. Understanding EV costs and payment plans is crucial for making an informed decision.
One major factor influencing affordability is the government’s reduction of import tax duties from 40% to 25% on used EVs imported from Japan. The cost of EVs depends on factors like age, brand, and features. Used EVs often serve as a budget-friendly option, while newer models come with advanced technology and extended range.
When it comes to the total cost of ownership, EVs are becoming a smart long-term choice.
Here's a summary of some EV models and their prices in Zimbabwe:
| Model | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Nissan Leaf (2018) | $7,200 |
| MINI Electric (2024) | $16,650 |
| Mercedes-Benz EQS | $50,250 |
Charging Infrastructure and Challenges
Zimbabwe is grappling with several obstacles when it comes to electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The country’s electricity grid is still underdeveloped, and frequent power outages - sometimes lasting up to 18 hours - add to the challenge. Charging infrastructure in major cities like Harare and Bulawayo is improving, helping to ease concerns about range limitations.
However, things are looking up for the near future. By 2025, plans are in motion to set up about 1,100 public charging stations nationwide. Many of these will incorporate solar-powered systems to tackle the ongoing power reliability issues.
Currently, Zimbabwe has only a small number of public EV charging stations spread across key cities such as Mutare, Bulawayo and Harare. Notable locations include the Fidelity Life Centre in Mutare, the Century Towers in Harare and the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) grounds in Bulawayo.
Power supply issues remain a major challenge. Frequent outages, lasting up to 18 hours in some areas, combined with limited grid coverage, hinder the viability of EVs. Many consumers are sceptical, especially in rural areas, where electricity supply is unreliable. “People don’t see EVs as a solution if they can’t charge them,” one commentator observes.
As such, Zimbabwe needs to build solar-powered charging stations for electric vehicles.
“The government needs to build proper infrastructure to support the adoption of electric cars. We need more charging stations in all parts of the country,” says Silas Nemutenzi, a resident in Zimbabwe’s border city of Mutare.
Nyabuta said that despite a booming interest, more needs to be done to make the transition to electric vehicles attractive. "There are quite a few policies that are still pending from the government level that will impact ultimately the price of the vehicle and some mechanisms around charging stations and so forth in the country," he said.
Impressed by the EVs as well, Harare resident Blessing Duwa underlined the need for related infrastructure. "We trust and hope that as we move on, there will be more cars and there will be charging ports all over the country that will allow us to be able to freely use these cars," she said.
There are early signs of Zimbabwe building a self-sufficient EV ecosystem.
The Role of EV24.africa
EV24.africa has made what used to be a complicated process remarkably straightforward for Zimbabwean buyers. Whether you’re browsing a curated selection of top brands like Tesla, BYD, and Volkswagen, or navigating financing options, the platform takes care of every step. EV24.africa makes buying and importing electric vehicles in Zimbabwe incredibly straightforward by taking care of everything - from finding the right car to delivering it to your doorstep.
From sourcing vehicles globally to handling customs clearance at the Port of Durban and ensuring final delivery to your doorstep, EV24.africa offers a complete, hassle-free experience. Flexible payment options - including bank transfers, mobile money, and even cryptocurrency - open the door to EV ownership for more people.
EV24.africa provides flexible payment options designed to make EV ownership more accessible. In Zimbabwe, most car buyers typically rely on cash payments or short-term loans from local banks, as long-term vehicle financing is rarely an option.
Once your financing is secured, EV24.africa ensures your electric vehicle reaches your driveway through a smooth, fully digital process. After you’ve made your purchase and finalized financing, the shipping process kicks off right away. Once you’ve chosen your vehicle and confirmed payment, EV24.africa takes care of everything from start to finish. This includes a thorough pre-shipment inspection, preparing all necessary export documents, and ensuring the vehicle complies with export regulations before it’s shipped.
The car is typically transported via ocean freight, which is often the longest part of the journey. When the shipment arrives at the destination port, local partners handle customs processes, including documentation, duty payments, and inspections required by local authorities. EV24.africa provides flexible delivery methods to cater to different preferences and budgets. Delivery options include standard shipping, which prioritizes cost savings, or expedited service for faster delivery if time is a concern.
Beyond just delivering vehicles, EV24.africa provides ongoing support with reliable maintenance and customer care services.
Owning an electric vehicle (EV) should be as smooth as driving one. Beyond just financing and delivery, reliable post-sale support is key to ensuring a stress-free EV experience. One of the perks of EV ownership is reduced maintenance compared to traditional gas or diesel vehicles. In Zimbabwe, EV24.africa has teamed up with certified local service centers to handle routine EV upkeep. EV24.africa goes the extra mile to ensure you’re supported throughout your EV journey.
“At EV24.africa, we simplify the process of importing and buying electric vehicles in Africa.
After that, EV24.africa takes over. They handle the entire process, including sourcing the vehicle, arranging shipping, clearing customs, and ensuring the car meets Zimbabwe’s reduced import duty requirements (now 25%, down from 40%).
Challenges and Opportunities
Zimbabwe holds significant lithium reserves, a critical input in EV battery technology. This could position the country as a player in the emerging EV market, both regionally and globally.
According to Adam Elhiraika, director for North Africa at the UN Economic Commission for Africa, recently wrote that with nearly 30 percent of the world's reserves of minerals critical to the global energy transition, such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel, Africa is uniquely positioned to benefit from the rapidly rising global demand for EVs and other low-carbon technologies.
Several countries in Africa have significant mineral reserves crucial for electric vehicle production. These countries include the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has cobalt; Zambia, which has copper; and Mozambique and Madagascar, which have graphite, while Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Ghana have lithium resources.
"When it comes to cobalt, Africa produces over 50 percent of global reserves and about 70 percent of quantities traded," Elhiraika says.
However, despite over 20 African countries holding key pieces of the e-mobility puzzle, Elhiraika says, no country can thrive in isolation. Infrastructure gaps-particularly in electricity generation, storage, and charging networks-remain a challenge, he adds.
"Nonetheless, African consumers are already embracing smaller EVs that offer faster returns on investment and flexible charging. This lays down a strong foundation for broader EV adoption," he says.
Switching to electric vehicles in Zimbabwe isn’t just about personal convenience - it’s a step toward creating a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Regulations will need to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and ensuring safety.
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Yet, there is cautious optimism.
Kudakwashe Ngoni, an EV owner from Harare, remains confident about the future. “We are hopeful to see more electric vehicles on the roads. I currently drive one, and it has been a great investment,” he says.
The road ahead will not be without obstacles.
An example of a solar-powered charging station, which Zimbabwe needs to expand its EV infrastructure.
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