(Index Link below)
In this episode, we discuss the EV readiness indicatorsacross African countries talking about how prepared countries are for an electric mobility transition. We walk through the key indicators of readiness, explore how the methodology was designed, and discuss what the findings reveal about both opportunities and challenges across the continent.
About the Energy for Growth Hub:
The Energy for Growth Hub is a global think tank advancing data-driven solutions to end energy poverty and build a high-energy climate-resilient future for everyone.
Hamna Tariq, is a research associate focusing on advanced nuclear tech, electric vehicle readiness and energy access metrics for global markets. Before graduate school, Hamna was a research junior fellow of nuclear strategy in South Asia for the Stimson Center. Hamna holds a Masters in International Affairs from the School of Public and International Affairs (SIPA) at Columbia University and a BA in International Studies from Trinity College.
Daniel Johansson is a research associate at the Energy for Growth Hub. He covered projects on investment climates in the U.S. and the EU pertaining to energy and emissions regulation frameworks as well as the startup ecosystem in sub-Saharan Africa. Before graduate school, Daniel played college basketball in Canada and professional basketball in Europe. Daniel holds a Masters in Global Affairs from New York University and a BA in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
Important Links:
2025 Update: Africa EV Readiness and Impact Index ; TableuLink
Africa’s EV Future: Five Things to Know
Who in Africa Is Ready for EVs?
Picture credits - eWaka e-bike (https://www.ewaka.tech/)
The episode dives into understanding how subnational governments in Low and middle-income countries pave the way for EV manufacturing.
Case in point: The Mexican state of Chihuahua, aPowerhouse in the automotive industry is strategically gearing up for the electric vehicle era. With a long history in automotive manufacturing—representing 35% of its output—Chihuahua's auto-related companies are primarily export-oriented and integral to North America's supply chain. The state already boasts a 64% readiness on the EV index.
We chat with Diana Paez, Senior Director of Energy and Mobility at the William Davidson Institute (WDI) at the University of Michigan. Diana leads WDI’s efforts to drive just transitions to sustainable energy solutions and electric mobility in emerging markets. She brings over 18 years of experience in international development, working with partners across government, the private sector, academia, and civil society.
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At the William Davidson Institute at the University ofMichigan, unlocking the power of business to provide lasting economic and social prosperity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is in our DNA. We gather the data, develop new models, test concepts and collaborate with partners to find real solutions that lead to new opportunities. This is what we mean by Solving for Business—our calling since the Institute was first founded as an independent nonprofit educational organization in 1992. We believe societies that empower individuals with the tools and skills to excel inbusiness, in turn, generates both economic growth and social freedom—or the agency necessary for people to thrive.
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Shownotes:
Mapping the Climate Tech Ecosystem in Mexico
Road safety isn’t just a public health issue — it’s a gigworker’s daily reality. And can electric vehicles be safer for them?
In this episode of The EV Equation, I’m interviewingAriana Childs Graham, director of road safety at Global Health Advocacy incubator (GHAI). We talk about road safety policies governing the lives of app-based motorbike delivery workers across the Global South. Spending over 60 hours a week on the road, these workers face a high risk of crashes — often with little protection, insurance, or recourse.
We explore key questions:
– How do city infrastructure and policy shape accident rates?
– What role do platform incentives and penalties play?
– Are electric vehicles improving or worsening safety outcomes?
Motorcycle-related fatalities now account for one-third ofglobal road deaths. In places like Indonesia, motorcycles are involved in more than 80% of road fatalities. In Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Vietnam, motorcycles make up over 75% of the motorized fleet. Since 2011, global motorcycle use has surged by 175%, and with that growth, the risks have multiplied.
To address this growing public health issue, Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) launched The Motorcycle Safety Imperative: An Action Agenda to Address a Growing Public Health and Safety Crisis
The GHAI Road Safety Program is working alongside civil society advocates in Bangladesh, China, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Mexico, Uganda, Ukraine, and Vietnam to raise awareness about the changing road safety landscape and urging the adoption of sustainable policy solutions to address the rise in motorcycle-related deaths and injuries.
This episode is a prequel to understanding the state of platform delivery workers in India before the electric transition kicks in.
I’m interviewing Raskhita Swamy, founder of SocialAccountability Form for Action and Research (SAFAR), who advocates for better working environments for platform workers.
As has been the theme of the show, we dive deeper into understanding the various variables of the Electric Vehicle transition in the country. One of the biggest uptakes of EVs has been by platform and delivery workers in India and globally. But as digital platforms and governments start accelerating the pace on EVs amongst gig workers – it becomes imperative to understand their welfare and economic well-being.
And the numbers don’t look so good.
This is for India –
Cab Drivers (Click for the source here and also, more links in the show notes below):
99.3% report Physical Health Issues and 98.5% report Mental health issues
40.7% don’t take a single day off in a week and 60% drivers drive over 12hrs/day
Delivery Workers
85.9% of delivery workers find 10-minute instant deliveryunacceptable
87% of delivery persons face ID Blocking
91% are full time workers and 75% are working over 10 hours/day
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Shownotes:
1. Poetry “Thakur ka Kuan” explainer in English
2. Disproportionate burden on gig workers to go electric
3. How electric vehicles are helping gig delivery riders
4. Delhi govt’s newest push toward EVs burdens intermediaries & gig workers. Learn from China
5. Google Drive Link: With all resources and research papers
Image Credit: @safvan_cholakkan
How is Kenya planning to build it’s talent pipeline to meetthe EV revolution unfolding on it’s streets?
This implores us to look at 1) Reskilling and Upskilling ourexisting workforce and 2) Preparing the coming generations of young talent to take up roles in the EV Industry.
In this episode, I chat with Pius Wathome, from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), who is working on this very challenge of workforce readiness in the country. Pius has a bachelors in Power Mechanics Technology and is a certified Technical and Vocational Education Trainer (TVET). His work comprises stakeholder engagement, training needs assessment, e-mobility curriculum development, training the trainers, and curriculum piloting in Kenyan TVET institutions.
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Shownotes:
Promoting electric mobility in Kenya
Follow Pius on LinkedIn for opportunities in the sector
TVET-University Integration Model in Kenya
Job opportunities for Africa's Electric Mobility enthusiasts⚡️ by following AfreMob
Unlocking Africa's Green economy: A Growing Opportunity for Youth
Wireless EV Charging is becoming a reality from a fantasy. But how will India embrace this new technology?
The technology comes with a hefty price tag, infrastructure investments and public-private sector partnerships. As conventional plug-in charging systems present significant land-use challenges combined with lengthy charging times and operational inefficiencies, how can Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging Systems (WEVCS) offer innovative solutions to these limitations? WEVCS are of two types – static and dynamic; please check out the video links in the shownotes below to better understand both systems.
In this episode, I am talking to Akhilesh Mahadevan from OMI Foundation. Akhilesh is an engineer-turned-policy practitioner, and his work includes action-oriented research and designing policy interventions to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and clean energy solutions in Kerala and beyond.
Our conversation centers around understanding the technology, pros and cons of it – and more importantly, Akhilesh makes a case for getting pilots of this technology in India early on by involving the public sector in the initial stages.
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About OMI:
OMI Foundation Trust is a policy research and social innovation think tank operating at the intersection of mobility innovation, governance, and public good.
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Shownotes:
Brief: Unplugging barriers to wireless EV Charging in India
Videos:
How Wireless EV Charging Could Reshape Our Entire Energy System
Startups are synonymous with innovation. They are applauded for taking bold risks, overcoming institutional voids, and disrupting the status quo.
But startups face a 99% chance of failure, and some of thereasons com from marketplace barriers. If you are working on a groundbreaking electric motorcycle with significant demand in your city, only to realize at the time of delivery that import tariffs in your natin is around 25% for electric vehicles – what do you do? Either pivot or face failure.
P4G, partnerships for green growth and global goals 2030, isone such organization that realizes the challenges for innovative early-stage businesses that are challenging the status quo in Low and Middle Incomecountries (LMICs).
And I had the pleasure of hosting Paul Mbole for thisepisode, who elaborates on the systemic barriers that e-mobility startups are facing in Kenya. Paul has 30 plus years of experience in developing multistakeholder partnerships and projects to deliver impactful interventions in climate change, energy access and water/waste management across Africa.
Our conversation has plenty of stories from the ground, and we even touch on the topic of de-risking finance for e-mobility startups.
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P4G - Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals2030 - contributes to green and inclusive growth in low- and middle-income countries by helping early-stage businesses become investment-ready and supporting country climate transitions in food, water, and energy systems. It provides grants and technical assistance to green growth partnerships, contributes to enabling systems improvements in partner countries, and shares these learnings with P4G countries and beyond. P4G accelerates partnerships in Colombia, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Indonesia and Vietnam. It is hosted by the World Resources Institute and funded by Denmark, the Netherlands, and the Republic of Korea.
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Show Notes:
2025 P4G Hanoi Summit: Apr 16-17, 2025
P4G Awards $5.2 Million to 12 New Partnerships to Advance Innovative Climate Solutions
South Africa has the highest income inequality in the world.
If we introduce EVs in this equation, we could either try closing the gaps in accessibility to mobility OR we could exacerbate the inequality problem.
To quote the research paper by our speaker, Gaylor – “historically high levels of inequality and poverty have set the stage for a socially-regressive introduction of EVs.”
We take a look at the glass-half-full side of things, andchat about a dual strategy to have an inclusive rollout of EVs in the nation. The episode is segmented into two parts – private and public transport.
Gaylor Montmasson-Clair is a Senior Economist at Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS), a South Africa-based economic policy research institute. He leads TIPS's work on sustainability and just transition and is the Facilitator for the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM), the industrialization plan for South Africa’s renewable energy and battery storage value chain. He is also a Director and Co-Founder of Southern Transitions, a Global South ‘just transition’ think-tank. In addition, Gaylor is a Research Associate and Guest Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg’s Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development (CCRED).
About TIPS:
Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS) is an independent, non-profit, economic research institution based in Pretoria, South Africa. It was established in 1996 to support economic policy development, with an emphasis on industrial policy, in South Africa and the region. Currently, TIPS has three main areas of work: trade and industrial policy; inequality and economic inclusion; and sustainable growth.
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Shownotes:
Research Paper for the episode:
Towards an inclusive rollout of electric vehicles in South Africa
On the high-income inequality in South Africa:
Six Charts Explain South Africa's Inequality - IMF
South Africa can’t crack the inequality curse. Why, and what can be done
Kenya is at a critical juncture in its EV roadmap – asdemand is growing, the country now needs to solve for whether it should import electric vehicles or it should use this opportunity to start an automotive sector.
To import OR To industrialize - that is the question many emerging countries in the Global South are asking themselves.
I am joined by Tom Courtright, who is the Research Director for the Africa E-Mobility Alliance and has been working on e-mobility in Africa since 2019. He has focused on business models and policy, looking in particular at the boda boda (motorcycle-taxi) segment. He is also doing his PhD on boda bodas in Kampala at the University of Cape Town.
About AfEMA:
Africa E-Mobility Alliance actively drives awareness, activates markets, and catalyzes advocacy efforts to transform the transportation landscape into a zero emission sector. They envision that by 2030, 30% of all vehicles sold in Africa will be Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs). ----
Show Notes:
Traditionally and historically, transport is recognized as amale-dominated sector; therefore, achieving equality in the transport sector presents a major challenge. Today, women are underrepresented in all aspects and the transport decision-making paradigm in place for planning, investments, and operations is largely in the hands of men.
How can electric vehicles act as a medium for gendertransformation and just transition in mobility?
In this episode, we discuss the insights and findings fromthe international baseline study of Gender and Mobility in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). It addresses challenges for women as users, workers, planners,practitioners, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers. (report in the show notes)
I am joined by Annika Berlin, from United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). She leads the Sustainable Mobility Unit based out of Nairobi and manages the Gender and Mobility division in her portfolio. She set up and leads UNEP’s Africa Support and Investment Platform which supports countries, cities, and companies in their efforts to transition to electric mobility leads UNEP’s Global Working Group on Electric Two and Three Wheelers and manages the units emerging gender and e-mobility portfolio.
Annika is an International Development Professional with 14years of experience working for bilateral and multilateral development and financing institutions across Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
We focus on East Africa, particularly Kenya and Uganda inthis episode.
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Show notes:
The International Baseline report on Gender and E-mobility
TheUganda Electric Mobility Association (UEMA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing electric mobility in Uganda.
UEMA formed in 2024, brings together the private sector to form a strong association to charter the path to e-mobility in the country. Inspite of a cohesive national e-mobility strategy, the sector still faces challenges and gaps – not achieving a stable business environment.
Jackie Bazimudde is one of the founding members of UEMA and is currently serving as Investor Relations atZembo. Her transition from consulting to a hands-on industry role has been a rewarding journey, giving her the chance to apply her strategic insights to real-world technology solutions that improve business efficiency and make a positive impact. Passionate about promoting sustainable growth, Jackie is committed to using technology and collaboration to shape a cleaner, more efficient future
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This episode was recorded in the last week of October 2024.
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SHOW NOTES:
Uganda E-Mobility Association Home Page
Position Paper – Steering the E-Mobility Transition in Uganda
Uganda launches Electric Mobility Association – News Article
Decarbonization of freight is complex. In any country. And India comes with its own challenges.
I am joined by Nitant Kumar, from Climate Group, who is in charge of the EV100 and EV100+ campaigns in the country to understand how their global campaign is faring in India. We explore the on-ground bottlenecks to adoption, the critical role of demand signaling, and the identification of use cases with potential for green transformation.
While large vans, trucks, and other medium and heavy-duty freight vehicles (MHDVs) make up just 2% of all road vehicles in India, they are responsible for a staggering 45% of all road emissions.
Their new campaign, EV100+, targets vehicles weighing over 7.5 tons and is paving the way for a greener freight ecosystem in India.
Show Notes:
As we go through transitions in a society affecting generations, capacity building for the younger generations becomes crucial. I am chatting with Sanju Soman, CEO of Sustera, who is launching a Climate Leadership Program for the young in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India. The essence of SUSTERA's Climate Leadership Program (CLP), a transformative initiative aimed at nurturing a cadre of climate leaders across India.
SUSTERA Foundation is a non-profit organization based out of Kerala in India working towards capacity-building youth and local communities in building resilience to future climate-related uncertainties.
The program is specifically tailored for each state, with curated content delivered in the local language to ensure accessibility and relevance.
Show Notes:
5 ways to create climate resilient communities | Sanju Soman | TEDxMACE
Sustera’s work in Clean Mobility
India Evolve Challenge – Innovation Challenge for a Sustainable Delivery Future
“If this plan of 1982 had been implemented, then perhaps Pune and not Amsterdam, would be cited as the city that revolutionized cycling.”
Join me in this episode as I interview Ranjit and Shweta from Parisar talking about how e-mobility affects the non-motorized transport policies in the city of Pune.
Cycling Infrastructure bodes positive externalities for e-mobility and in this episode, we dive deeper into understanding what policies is the city of Pune pushing Parisar is endeavoring towards making the city of Pune sustainable and environment-friendly. It aims to achieve this by first studying and acquainting itself with the situation on ground. Parisar ensures that this process is participatory and gives weightage to local opinions and different perspectives. Parisar is also goal-oriented and therefore engages in advocacy for potential changes that are both concrete and comprehensive. To this end, it engages with multiple stakeholders viz. Municipal Corporations, Traffic Police, NGOs, Educational Institutions, Local groups and individuals.
Show Notes
Comprehensive Bicycle Plan for Pune
Urban Street Design Guidelines, Pune
Infant, Toddler and Caregiver Friendly Mobility Plan for Pune
School Travel Improvement Plan Guidelines
In the Wonderland of Sustainable Mobility
Related articles on our website or written by Parisar team
Evaluation of Free Bicycle Schemes and their impact a focus on Pune’s initiatives
Ignorance is bliss but stupidity is contagious
The Invisible Cycles - Video Vignettes and Booklet
Recent activities related to cycling by Parisar
World Bicycle Day Activities by Parisar
World Car Free Day by Parisar Pune’s first annual ccling conference
As the EV sector is exploding in India, can it create opportunities to increase female labor force participation? How can this transition turn out to be a Just, Inclusive, and Equitable one?
In this episode, we discuss the insights from a first-of-its kind publication on Feminizing EV Value Chains in India by OMI Foundation. Joining me today is Neha Gupta, leading Center of Clean Mobility and Aishwarya Agarwal, leading Center of Inclusive Mobility at OMI Foundation.
We dive deeper into dissecting what kind of job opportunities open up for women in the EV Value Chains in the following buckets:
1) Women on the Shop Floors
2) Women from Entry to Leadership Positions
3) Women as Commercial Drivers
4) Women as Entrepreneurs
The report can be found here Feminizing the EV Value Chains to Propel India’s Growth
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This series is sponsored by Ooloi Labs, a Bangalore-based company to help researchers unlock the power of qualitative data through their suite of digital solutions.
Check out their latest tool at: https://www.openknowledgeframework.in/
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Show Notes:
Tata Motor’s Women in Blue initiative
Why more women need to get behind the wheel
Women's Economic Mobility and Online Exposure by OMI Foundation
EV Ready India Dashboard by OMI Foundation
Imagine it’s 31st Dec, 2029 and we are going to be welcoming the year 2030, where everyone has their fleet commitments to turn electric. What happens on January 1st, 2030?
In this episode, we ask the question WHO is responsible for going electric in 2030, and who will carry the burden of the EV transition - the driver, the city official, or the business?
I am joined by Adhnan Wani to break down Delhi's latest policy DMVADASP Scheme to push fleet operators to go electric. Adhnan works at Koan Advisory Group - a research-driven advisory firm based in Delhi that supports businesses and governments across a wide range of markets.
With a Master’s in Social design and a bachelor's in mechanical engineering, Adhnan carries out research at Koan on the topics of energy, mobility, and sustainability.
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This series is sponsored by Ooloi Labs, a Bangalore-based company to help researchers unlock the power of qualitative data through their suite of digital solutions.
Check out their latest tool at: https://www.openknowledgeframework.in/
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Show Notes
Issue Brief by Koan Advisory Group - Delhi's EV Push: Implications for Gig Workers
How many gig workers does India have? Nobody knows and it’s helping companies duck responsibility‘
NITI Aayog Launches Report on India's Gig and Platform Economy
Delivery Rider Estimates in Delhi
Delhi govt’s newest push toward EVs burdens intermediaries & gig workers. Learn from China
Karnataka gig workers bill shows bad design. Market-based social insurance model more practical
10 yrs ago, battery leasing failed to boost demand for EV cars in India. Now, it’s making a comeback
Is the average consumer in India exercising the power of their purchasing decisions to drive sustainable initiatives in the last mile?
And if yes, are on-demand delivery brands listening?
~70% respondents expressed a preference for purchasing products/services from companies actively promoting and supporting EVs
69% respondents expressed a strong inclination to recommend companies transitioning to EVs to their friends and family
65% emphasized the importance of active support from companies for a just labor transition
Tune into our podcast as we uncover insights from the latest report on Consumer Perception of EVs in Last-Mile Delivery (2023-24) with Siddarth Sreenivas, head of transport and Mobility at Asar. The report is a part of the Sustainable Mobility Network India.
Contributing Partners: Waatavaran, Purpose, Climate Group, Climate Trends
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This series is sponsored by Ooloi Labs, a Bangalore-based company to help researchers unlock the power of qualitative data through their suite of digital solutions.
Check out their latest tool at: https://www.openknowledgeframework.in/
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Show Notes:
Consumer Perception and Insights in the last mile delivery sector for the transition to EVs 2023-24
Trucking has been the backbone of logistics in India, but as we move towards electrification it appears to have cracks. Shortage and retention of drivers continues to plague the industry. Can the transition to Zero Emission Trucks (ZETs) attempt to change this?
Join me in this conversation with Saudamini Zutshi from Purpose (www.purpose.org), a global social impact organization that harnesses the power of storytelling and insights-based campaigns to engage and mobilize communities around the world. Saudamini leads the project and partnerships to include truck drivers in the conversation of transition and aims to get them a proverbial “seat at the table”.
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This series is sponsored by Ooloi Labs, a Bangalore-based company to help researchers unlock the power of qualitative data through their suite of digital solutions.
Check out their latest tool at: https://www.openknowledgeframework.in/
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Show Notes:
EV Ok Please Campaign by Purpose
Why is ‘Horn OK Please’ painted on almost every truck in India?
