Sierra Leone has unveiled country’s first electric three-wheelers. The Environmental Protection Agency of Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) performed the launch c
Sierra Leone has unveiled country’s first electric three-wheelers. The Environmental Protection Agency of Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) performed the launch ceremony marking a major step towards reducing the country’s greenhouse gas emissions and improving its urban mobility system.
This initiative, which introduces electric three-wheelers (e-kekes), is part of the “Supporting Sierra Leone with the Shift to Electric Mobility” project, supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and co-financed by the European Union through the SOLUTIONSPlus project. It aims to address urban air pollution, promote cleaner transportation, and contribute to the country’s sustainable development.
Electric three-wheelers (e-kekes) significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollutants, thus improving air quality and public health. The shift from gasoline-powered to electric vehicles is expected to mitigate pollution-related health risks, which is a critical concern in African cities.
Despite higher initial costs (1.2 to 1.5 times more than traditional vehicles), the long-term operational savings (due to lower energy consumption and the battery-swapping system) offer a compelling economic case. E-keke drivers will benefit from reduced daily rental fees (US$1.5 versus US$5 for traditional vehicles) and higher profits.
Gender inclusion
The initiative focuses on gender inclusion by encouraging 30% of women drivers to participate in the e-keke trial program, promoting equal opportunities within the transport sector. The project aims to establish a strong regulatory framework for electric mobility, including pilot electric three-wheelers and battery-swapping stations. This is designed to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles across Sierra Leone and stimulate local businesses in the EV sector. The initiative will help foster entrepreneurship and create jobs in the growing electric vehicle industry, particularly benefiting young people.
The E-kekes will have solar-powered battery-swapping stations to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. They are a key feature of the initiative, ensuring that e-kekes have the necessary energy supply to function effectively.