Issue #5. TLDR; Ghana Embraces Chinese EVs Powered By Solar Taxi

🌍 Climate OS: TLDR – Episode 4

"Your weekly dose of Africa’s climate and mobility news, served with a side of wit and a dash of hope. Let’s dive in, and maybe dodge a flood or two!"

🔥 TODAY’S HOT TAKES

Here’s what’s sizzling in Africa’s climate and mobility scene this week:

• Ghana’s EV Revolution: Solar Taxi’s making Chinese EVs affordable, while Ghana gears up for 1,000 charging stations by 2028.

• Nigeria’s Charging Giant: Africa’s largest locally assembled EV charging station opens in Abuja, aiming for 30% electric vehicles production.

• CNG vs. EVs: Africa’s caught in a gas-powered debate, with CNG surging due to affordability, but EVs lurking for a greener future.

• Climate Whiplash: African cities battle extreme weather, from floods in Botswana to droughts in East Africa, highlighting urgent infrastructure needs.

• Katapult’s Climate Cohort: 10 startups tackling everything from soil health to e-waste, proving innovation’s alive and kicking.

🚀 THE BIG STORY: Ghana’s Solar Taxi & The Chinese EV Surge

Solar Taxi is leading Ghana's e-mobility charge, blending Chinese tech with local assembly. They're making EVs more accessible, but challenges like affordability and charging infrastructure remain.

Why It Matters:

• Ghana imported 17,660 plug-in EVs from 2017-2021, showing growing demand.

• Solar Taxi aims to bridge the $16,000 price gap between new EVs and used ICE vehicles.

• They are also tackling e-waste, by repurposing used EV batteries.

The Bigger Picture:

• Ghana’s government plans 1,000 charging stations by 2028, signaling serious EV commitment.

• Solar taxi is also expanding into Nigeria, Togo, and Burkina Faso.

• Chinese EV brands like BYD and Chery are becoming very popular.

The Takeaway:

• Solar Taxi’s showing that local innovation plus global tech can drive Africa’s EV adoption, one affordable e-bike at a time.

⚡ Nigeria’s Charging Milestone & The CNG Conundrum

Nigeria opened Africa’s largest local EV charging station, but CNG’s popularity highlights the affordability challenge.

Why It’s a Big Deal:

• Nigeria aims for 30% electric vehicle production, creating 200,000 jobs.

• The price of petrol has drastically risen, causing people to switch to CNG.

• CNG is cheaper, but still a fossil fuel.

The Bottom Line:

• While EVs are the long-term goal, CNG’s practicality can’t be ignored, especially with petrol prices skyrocketing.

• The african market for CNG and LPG is expected to grow 7% a year between 2025 and 2030.

🚲 Climate Whiplash in Africa

African cities face extreme weather, and the effects will only get worse if we don't rise up to the challenge.

Why It Matters:

• Floods in Botswana and South Africa displaced 5,000 people, showing climate change’s harsh reality.

• East African cities are experiencing “climate whiplash” going from drought to floods.

The Bigger Picture:

• Infrastructure upgrades are crucial, as climate change intensifies extreme weather events.

The Takeaway:

• Africa’s climate challenges are real, and it is very important to build resilience.

🔌 EV vs. CNG: Africa’s Transition Tussle

Africa’s caught between the allure of EVs and the practicality of CNG.

Why It’s Important:

• EVs are greener, but affordability and infrastructure are hurdles.

• CNG is cheaper, but still fossil fuel.

• Many experts believe that CNG can be used as a stepping stone to EV adoption.

The Bottom Line:

• Africa needs a balanced approach, investing in both EV infrastructure and sustainable CNG solutions, while planning for a gradual EV transition.

🌡️ Katapult’s Climate Cohort: Innovation in Action

10 startups are tackling Africa’s climate challenges with cutting-edge solutions.

Why It Matters:

• From soil sensors to e-waste recycling, these startups are addressing critical needs.

• They are all using innovative technology to achieve their goals.

The Bigger Picture:

• These startups represent Africa’s potential to lead in climate tech.

• They need funding, and support to grow.

The Takeaway:

• Supporting these startups is an investment in Africa’s sustainable future, and a big middle finger to climate change.

🍵 MEME OF THE DAY

"When your battery’s at 1% and the nearest charging station is in another country: 😩

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This edition of Climate OS: TLDR keeps you informed, entertained, and ready to tackle the week. Let’s keep the momentum going! 🌍✨