By Hassan Lule
The Board and Management of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) have conducted a familiarization tour of the Kiira Vehicle Plant in Jinja.
The same team also visited Tembo Steels Limited located in Iganga.
The visit to Kiira Vehicle Plant was purposed to establish the progress of e-mobility in the country. The same visit aimed at providing the necessary support towards the initiative, liaise with the plant to establish efficient 1500 Energy Centers by 2028, and prioritize electrification of the Government Fleet in order to provide off-take demand for e-mobility.
Meanwhile, the visit to Tembo Steel aimed at ERA establishing its challenges and how they can be addressed.
The Company appreciated the Authority’s efforts in ensuring reliable power supply and quality of service which has facilitated the smooth production of Steel products.
ABOUT ELECTRIC CARS
In countries like India, they have what they call National e-Mobility Program charged with creating policy framework and charging infrastructure to ensure that 30% of vehicles on the road are electric by 2030.
E-Mobility is critical under the current threat of climate change as the vehicles do not emit any greenhouse gases which pollution the atmosphere. Secondly, the vehicles make virtually no noise to cause noise pollution and are cheaper than fuel.
However, whereas in Uganda such vehicles and motor cycles have been introduced in pilot, the main challenges being mentioned includes limited battery range compared to Petro cars which can make 400-500 miles on a full tank.
Secondly, electric cars have a problem of battery lifespan, lack of charging infrastructure, low top speed, more expensive to buy among others. But government, says these vehicles are easier to maintain, save a lot since no fuel is required and have got a better performance.
