Zimbabwe's Central Mechanical Equipment Department will begin testing 18 newly acquired commercial electric buses this week as part of a government initiative to reduce fossil fuel dependency and capitalize on the nation's lithium resources. Managing director Davison Mhaka announced that dedicated lanes will be established for the trial operations, expanding the fleet beyond the 41 electric vehicles already deployed.
The transport agency plans to install charging infrastructure nationwide, with five stations designated for Bulawayo and two along the Victoria Falls route. Officials emphasized the economic advantages of electric buses, which cost approximately one-quarter as much to operate compared with diesel alternatives while cutting fuel import expenses.
CMED intends to begin domestic production of smaller electric vehicles for short-range transportation by assembling imported components with locally manufactured parts such as springs and chassis frames. The department will collaborate with universities to develop manufacturing capabilities aligned with the government's Education 5.0 framework and the upcoming National Development Strategy 2.
The transport agency plans to install charging infrastructure nationwide, with five stations designated for Bulawayo and two along the Victoria Falls route. Officials emphasized the economic advantages of electric buses, which cost approximately one-quarter as much to operate compared with diesel alternatives while cutting fuel import expenses.
CMED intends to begin domestic production of smaller electric vehicles for short-range transportation by assembling imported components with locally manufactured parts such as springs and chassis frames. The department will collaborate with universities to develop manufacturing capabilities aligned with the government's Education 5.0 framework and the upcoming National Development Strategy 2.
