Comparative analysis of city-specific light freight EV applications in Asia, Africa and Latin America

Abstract

The paper compares selected financial, environmental and social aspects pertaining to eight light freight electric vehicles that the SOLUTIONplus project designed and tested in developing countries. They range from e-3W & 4W in Kathmandu, e-quadricycles in Pasig, e-cargo bikes in Quito and Montevideo, and e-bikes in Dar es Salaam. All prototypes are co-developed by local manufacturers and aim to replace traditional vehicles powered by fossil fuels, while considering local conditions and priorities. They have proven a good solution for last-mile urban deliveries, due to their flexibility, small dimensions and low investment requirements. All vehicles tested exhibit a healthy return on investment. However, the lighter vehicles such as the e-bikes and e-cargo bikes appear very sensitive to demand forecasts requiring a well-functioning distribution network and integration services leading towards collaborative business models. Conversions of existing vehicles are generally profitable albeit at lower return rates. In general, the old fossil-fuel-driven solutions are also profitable depriving operators of running vehicles from sufficient motivation to convert. As such, conversions at scale can be expected only at the end of the useful lives of existing vehicles. Cities need proper infrastructure planning, supporting regulations and policies for manufacturing, and awareness raising among drivers