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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Fred Harter in Addis Ababa

Powering up: how Ethiopia is becoming an unlikely leader in the electric vehicle revolution

A middle-aged man stands next to a row of electric cars being charged while on the phone
An EV charging station in Addis Ababa. Owners of EVs say they save time avoiding the long queues at petrol stations. Photograph: Fred Harter

When Deghareg Bekele, an architect in his early 30s, bought an Volkswagen electric car this year, he was a little sceptical. Not only is his home town, the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, prone to persistent power cuts, he also doubted the quality of his new vehicle.

Four months on, Deghareg is pleased with his purchase since he no longer has to endure long lines at the petrol pump, caused by Ethiopia’s chronic fuel shortages.

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