The Addis Ababa City Administration has introduced 100 electric buses in the Ethiopian capital, marking a significant step in promoting electric mobility across the country, the Xinhuanet reported.

Assembled locally by Belayneh Kindie Metal Engineering Complex, with components imported from China, the new fleet is equipped with an integrated Intelligent Transportation System and Fare Collection System technologies, as reported by the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation on Tuesday.

These electric buses have now begun providing a convenient commuting option for the city's residents along the new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes.

The buses are designed to enhance the public transport network in Addis Ababa. They are environmentally friendly, producing zero emissions, and offer a comfortable ride with ample capacity for passengers, according to Ethiopian Minister of Transport and Logistics Alemu Sime.

Minister Sime also noted that the electric buses will use dedicated bus lanes, ensuring faster travel for commuters. They are expected to significantly alleviate the current public transport shortage in the city and provide a more comfortable, efficient, and sustainable commuting option for residents.

The Ethiopian Ministry of Transport and Logistics reports that over 100,000 electric vehicles are already on the road across the country, with plans to increase this number to 500,000 within the next decade. This initiative aims to replace 95% of fuel-powered vehicles with electric alternatives.

To accelerate the transition to electric mobility, the Ethiopian government imposed a ban on the import of gasoline and diesel vehicles early last year in response to the global surge in fuel prices.