Why Buy an Electric Car?

Surveys indicate that the primary reason for purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) is cost savings, particularly for those who frequently commute within the same city where most of their activities take place, such as living and working in Accra, Kumasi, or other similar locations. If you’re considering using the same car for longer journeys, such as traveling between Accra and Kumasi, Accra and Takoradi, or other extended trips, there are additional options and factors to consider as shown below:

Within Accra, several public charging stations are available, and you can find information on these via the Ghana Energy Commission’s website under Public Charging Stations. Some key locations include:

  • Palace Mall, Spintex
  • A&C Mall, East Legon
  • Dizengoff Complex, Industrial Area
  • Total Energy, Liberation Road
  • Kempinski Hotel Parking Lot

Additional charging stations are also located in areas such as Ablekuma, Adenta, and others, with further details accessible through the provided link HERE.

Traveling Between Accra and Kumasi

If you frequently travel between Accra and Kumasi, there are a few options to consider:

  • Medium-Range Vehicles (300–400 km per charge): A vehicle with a range of 300 to 400 km on a single charge is more than sufficient for daily use within a city. In Kumasi, for example, there’s a charging spot at the SolarTaxi office. You can also carry a portable charger and plug into any standard 3-pin socket, which is common at petrol stations or tire shops across the country. If you have friends in the city you are travelling to or can talk well, you can still charge the car using the mobile AC charger Level 1 or 2 which can fill up the car in less than 6 hours, if you are in the city attending to some business or meeting someone this time or less than 3 hours should be enough to add you more charge enough for your return journey.
Mobile A.C Charger
  • Hybrid Motors Africa is also working on installing a charging station in Kumasi and other major cities in Ghana and Uganda especially, very soon.
  • Long-Range Vehicles (600+ km per charge): For longer trips, such as the 250 km journey from Accra to Kumasi (500 km round trip), a car with a range of more than 600 km can make the trip on a single charge. This eliminates the need to stop and recharge along the way.
  • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV): A PHEV is another excellent option. It typically offers around 100 km of electric range on a charged battery. Once the battery level drops to 10–15%, a fuel engine kicks in to charge the battery automatically. These vehicles often have a range of over 1,000 km, making them ideal for long-distance travel without frequent charging and refueling. You might only need to use fuel when traveling out of town.
  • Alternatively, for shorter-range electric vehicles (200–300 km), you could use them mainly for city driving and rely on public transport, like the STC bus, for longer trips out of town.

Conclusion

Adopting new technologies can be challenging, particularly in Africa, where infrastructure development is often hindered by poor government policies and support. The shift to electric vehicles is no exception, but that doesn’t negate the benefits and potential of the technology.

It’s crucial to understand why you’re buying an electric vehicle—whether for daily commuting, long-distance travel, or other purposes. Knowing the range of the vehicle and how you intend to use it will help you plan more effectively and get the most out of your investment.