At dawn in Pasig City, Philippines, a fleet of electric three-wheelers charges at a public station, ready for a day of postal deliveries. Managed by Dorothy Mae Dumawal, these vehicles are part of a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) project aimed at transforming transportation in Asia and Africa, according to UNEP.org.
This initiative, funded by Germany’s International Climate Initiative, is accelerating the adoption of electric two- and three-wheelers in nine countries. Experts see this as a critical step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the petrol-burning vehicles that dominate both continents.
“Two- and three-wheelers make up the largest percentage of vehicle fleets in many cities in Africa and Asia, making them the low-hanging fruit for transport electrification,” explains Rob de Jong, Head of UNEP’s Sustainable Mobility Unit.
Asia, home to 490 million two- and three-wheelers, adds 60 million new vehicles annually. In Southeast Asia, efforts are already bearing fruit. Vietnam has 3 million electric two-wheelers, and Thailand’s “30@30” policy aims for 30% of vehicles produced to be electric by 2030, supported by tax incentives and robust infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Pasig City’s success with electric postal vehicles has prompted plans to expand charging stations to hospitals, schools, and gas stations.
In Africa, UNEP-backed initiatives are also driving change. Kenya has over 3,200 registered electric motorcycles, bolstered by tax exemptions, while Ethiopia has banned petrol-powered vehicle imports. In Uganda, pilot projects with 50 electric motorcycles show promising results. Drivers like Bashir Mutumba, who covers up to 100 kilometers daily, report earning triple the income compared to petrol-powered bikes due to lower electricity costs.
Companies in Uganda’s agricultural sector are also benefiting. Pearl Rice Operations Director Davis Katanisa notes that electric bikes have cut transportation costs, boosted efficiency, and enhanced the company’s eco-friendly reputation.
These efforts align with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, electric vehicles powered by clean energy are among the best solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation.
As Asia and Africa continue their transition to electric mobility, these projects highlight how technology and collaboration can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
Photo: sofiiashunkina
