Electric Two- and Three-Wheelers Gain Momentum Across Asia and Africa in Push for Cleaner Transport

Pollution & Waste

Home
Pollution & Waste
Electric Two- and Three-Wheelers Gain Momentum Across Asia and Africa in Push for Cleaner Transport

Electric Two- and Three-Wheelers Gain Momentum Across Asia and Africa in Push for Cleaner Transport

Ganesh Khatiwada 2026-05-21 11:08:00

Kathmandu | Ecosphere News
A growing transition toward electric mobility across Asia and Africa is emerging as a key strategy to reduce air pollution, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and create more sustainable urban transport systems. Supported by international partnerships and government-led initiatives, electric two- and three-wheelers are increasingly becoming part of everyday transport and public services.
One example comes from Pasig City in the Philippines, where electric three-wheeled vehicles operated by the Philippine Postal Corporation are helping modernize postal services while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The vehicles are supported by public charging infrastructure developed under a project led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), allowing drivers to recharge and continue operations more efficiently throughout the city.
According to project managers, the charging infrastructure has improved operational flexibility and reduced interruptions previously caused by battery limitations.
The initiative forms part of a broader programme funded by Germany’s International Climate Initiative to accelerate the deployment of electric motorcycles and three-wheelers across nine countries in Asia and Africa.
Experts say the transition is especially important because two- and three-wheelers make up a significant share of vehicle fleets in developing economies. UNEP estimates that Asia currently has around 490 million two- and three-wheelers, while Africa has approximately 27 million, with more than 90 percent still powered by petrol.
Since 2017, UNEP and its partners have supported pilot projects and policy development aimed at expanding electric mobility and reducing reliance on conventional fuel-powered transport. The urgency is growing, particularly in Asia, where millions of additional two- and three-wheelers enter roads each year.
Several countries have already begun demonstrating measurable progress. Viet Nam has expanded its electric motorcycle market substantially, while Thailand’s “30@30” policy targets electric vehicles to account for 30 percent of vehicle production by 2030 through investment incentives and charging infrastructure development. Indonesia has also introduced national measures to accelerate electric mobility.
Meanwhile, local governments in the Philippines are exploring further expansion of charging infrastructure into hospitals, schools, health centres, and commercial spaces.
In Africa, countries are also advancing electric mobility. Kenya has introduced supportive tax measures and expanded electric motorcycle registration, while Uganda is implementing an e-mobility strategy with support from UNEP. Pilot projects there suggest electric motorcycles may improve operational efficiency and lower transport costs for businesses and delivery services.
Agricultural enterprises and transport operators participating in pilot programmes report that electric vehicles can reduce expenses while supporting environmental sustainability goals.
The growing adoption of electric two- and three-wheelers demonstrates how targeted policy support, infrastructure investment, and international cooperation could help developing economies move toward cleaner and more resilient transport systems.
#EcosphereNews #ElectricMobility #SustainableTransport #ClimateAction #CleanEnergy #GreenTransition #ElectricVehicles #AirPollution #UNEP #SustainableDevelopment #Asia #Africa #EnvironmentalNews