Electric Two-and-Three-Wheelers Are Becoming More Significant in the Global South

This article explores the transformative landscape of electric two-and-three-wheelers, specifically examining their dynamic adoption in the diverse regions of Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

This article will primarily:

• Show examples of electric two-and-three-wheelers in different countries across the Global South.
• Exemplify the growing market for electric two-and-three-wheelers in the Global South.
• Describe the regions with more electric two-and-three-wheelers.

Why are electric two-and-three-wheelers popular in the Global South?

Pollution

Electric two-and-three-wheelers are more sustainable and environmentally friendly because they emit fewer polluting gases than their internal combustion engine counterparts.

Infrastructure

Many countries in the Global South have limited road infrastructure, making electric two-and-three-wheelers easier to manoeuvre and park in confined spaces.

Cost

Two-andthree-wheelers are often more affordable than four-wheelers due to simpler designs with fewer components compared to four-wheelers.

Efficiency

The weight to load ratio of two-and-three-wheelers is usually much better than that of four-wheelers such as cars.

Click to expand Important factors for the adoption of electric two-and-three-wheelers in the Global South. PEM Motion (2024)

Cost comparison of two-and-three-wheelers

The total cost of ownership of electric and conventional two-and-three-wheelers can vary depending on several factors, such as the powertrain technology and its manufacturing complexity, operating costs such as maintenance and possible local subsidies. In addition, costs can change over time due to technological advances and changes in market demand.

Battery systems are the main contributor to their higher initial cost.

Electric two-and-three-wheelers

Electric vehicles may have a higher initial purchase price, but they tend to have lower running and maintenance costs than conventional internal combustion vehicles.

Conventional two-and-three-wheelers

These vehicles can have higher running costs due to fluctuating fossil fuel prices and higher maintenance costs associated with complex internal combustion engines.

Key facts about two-and-three-wheelers worldwide

Most electric two-and-three-wheeler sales are in China, followed by small but significant markets in India and Vietnam, according to the International Energy Agency.

They are mainly used for personal transport in Bangkok, Hanoi and Jakarta in Asia; Rio de Janeiro, Bogotá and Caracas in Latin America; and Nairobi, Delhi, Uganda and Yaoundé in Africa.

Course Mascot. PEM Motion (2024)

Electric three-wheelers. Unsplash (2021)

Adoption of electric two-and-three-wheelers in Latin America

Adoption of electric two-and-three-wheelers in Latin America has been slower than in Asia. However, countries such as Colombia are beginning to adopt these vehicles. In Colombia, for example, sales of electric two-and-three-wheelers increased by 31 percent in 2020 compared to the previous year. Local companies are producing electric two-and-three-wheelers to meet market demand.

Group of cyclists in Guayaquil, Ecuador. El Universo (2019)

Electric two-and-three-wheelers adoption in Africa

The adoption of electric two-and-three-wheelers in Africa is minimal compared to Asia and Latin America. Some companies manufacture and sell these vehicles in countries like Kenya and Nigeria. Limited infrastructure and a lack of policies and regulations to encourage the adoption of EVs hinder their growth in the region.

Conventional Three-wheeler in Africa. Unsplash (2017)

Electric two-and-three-wheeler adoption in Asia

Electric two-and-three-wheelers are very popular in Asia, especially in China, India and Japan. In China, for example, electric two-and three-wheelers account for the majority of electric vehicle sales. The Chinese government has introduced policies and regulations to promote the use of electric vehicles in general, including two-and-three-wheelers.

Conventional two-wheelers in Asia. TUMI Database (2017)

Conclusion

The region with the highest density of electric two-and-three-wheelers per capita is South-East Asia. The country with the highest sales of electric two-and-three-wheelers is China.

From a cost perspective, several electric models in China, India and Vietnam are already price competitive compared to conventional kick-scooters and three-wheelers. Especially when comparing total cost of ownership.