The World's Most Aggressive EV Push Isn't in China | Bloomberg Primer Nov 05, 2026

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(Corrects the spelling of Mia Mottley at 06:01) In 2024, Ethiopia became the first country to ban imports of new gasoline-powered cars, and the main reason wasn't global warming. Ethiopia was spending billions of dollars every year on imported fuel it couldn’t afford, and subsequently defaulted on its debt. Cheap hydropower from Africa’s largest dam made electric vehicles a practical alternative, and Chinese-made EVs — some assembled locally — quickly filled dealership lots. Today, Ethiopia’s EV share outpaces the global average. But sticker prices are too high for most, the grid remains patchy and armed conflict is flaring in the country and across the region. Can Ethiopia make its unprecedented bet on EVs pay off?

00:00 - 01:19 — Introduction
01:19 - 04:53 — Ethiopia’s Gas Car Ban
04:53 - 06:36 — Cheap Electricity In Ethiopia
06:36 - 07:55 — Chargers
07:58 - 10:42 — Flat-Pack Car Factory
10:42 - 11:56 — Mini buses
11:56 - 14:48 — Ethiopia’s Ambitions
14:48 - 15:44 — Conclusion
15:44 - 16:04 — End Credits

Ethiopia’s Improbable Leap to Electric Vehicles: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-11-02/ethiopia-s-improbable-leap-to-electric-vehicles

Charging infrastructure is anemic, the grid is spotty and renewed conflict could upend everything, but a major transformation is nevertheless underway.

Watch more: https://www.youtube.com/show/VLPLqq4LnWs3olWuFFpsiq0cFkGs7WMb6MtA?sbp=QAE%3D

#Ethiopia #EVs #Electricity

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