Unlocking the potential of solar electric vehicles for post-COVID recovery and growth in the transport sector in Ghana

ABSTRACT

The increasing effect of climate change as a result of CO2 emissions emanating from utilization of conventional energy resources is driving national and regional policies towards global energy transformation in all sectors, including the transportation sub-sector. Internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEV), which use fossil fuel are the main contributors of CO2 emissions in the transport sub-sector. Grid-powered battery electric vehicles (BEV) and solar electric vehicles (SEV) have the potential to reduce emissions in the transportation sub-sector and are therefore being promoted in regions where solar radiation levels are appreciable. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is one of the regions that receives significant radiation levels compared to other parts of the world, however, countries in the sub-region are yet to tap into the enormous benefits of SEV. In this study, comparative lifecycle analysis has been conducted on the total cost of ownership (TCO) of Hyundai Ioniq (BEV), Sono Sion (SEV) and Toyota Corolla (ICEV) for commercial transport operations in SSA, with a case study in Ghana. Research was conducted on 100 drivers of 5-seater petrol/diesel light commercial vehicles (LCV) in the city of Accra and Kumasi. Data were taken on their driving profiles, average travel distance, fuel cost and maintenance cost. Their choices between ICEV, BEV and SEV were also ascertained. Our study revealed that 70% of LCV travel up to 300 km and below, daily. The total cost of ownership for LCV at an average annual travel distance of 60,000 km were 0.21 US$/km, 0.17 US$/km, 0.15 US$/km and 0.14 US$/km for Used-ICEV, New-ICEV, BEV and SEV for 20-year analysis period, respectively. The total cost savings with BEV and SEV usage are at least 28% and 34%, respectively, compared to traditional diesel or gasoline ICEVs. Payback periods for SEV and BEV compared to ICEV are 3.5 years and 4.5 years, respectively. Our study has revealed that there is potential emission savings of 70% and 75% for BEV and SEV, respectively, compared to ICEV. Finally, this study highlights that utilization of SEVs and BEVs for light vehicle commercial transportation in SSA can potentially lead to post-COVID recovery and growth in the sub-region, amidst increasing diesel and petrol prices for ICEVs.