LUSAKA, May 29 (Xinhua) -- It is an established fact that one of the answers to climate change is the switch from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs).

This is because EVs are known to be environmentally friendly unlike internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), whose emissions affect air quality and contribute to global warming.

Despite the benefits of EVs to individuals and the environment, many people in Zambia still prefer buying gasoline-powered vehicles. One of the reasons for this is the lack of access to public charging facilities for EVs.

It is against this backdrop that Subilo Energy, a start-up company specializing in the manufacturing and selling of green and renewable energy products, has so far put in place two public charging stations in Lusaka, Zambia's capital. The stations are the first-ever to be built in Zambia that operate on a pay-as-you-go basis.

According to Gregory Chama, the CEO of Subilo Energy, the setting up of public charging stations is meant to make access to charging facilities for those with EVs easier and to encourage more people in Zambia to buy EVs.

"We did a study prior to installing public charging points in January this year, and results revealed that a good number of people were willing to purchase EVs if they can be assured of accessing efficient charging stations," Chama said.

Chama further revealed that Subilo Energy plans to set up about 10 public charging stations in Lusaka in the next years and later roll out the program to other towns and cities.

"Zambia and other African countries are home to millions of gasoline-driven vehicles, which, on a daily basis, emit tonnes of carbon emissions into the atmosphere and cause global warming and adverse weather patterns. Having a lot more EVs than ICEVs on our roads can help address these challenges," Chama explained.

Jonathan Mulinda, a Lusaka resident who owns a hybrid car and has been using the Subilo Energy charging station for about four months, said the experience has been excellent.

Mulinda, 33, lauded Subilo Energy for setting up the charging stations, saying the idea is helping him to cut down on transport costs. "I use only 9.5 Zambian Kwacha (about 0.49 U.S. dollars) to charge my vehicle's electric propulsion system. With that, I am able to cover a distance of 70 kilometers. With gasoline, I would use 125 Zambian Kwacha to cover 70 kilometers."

Mulinda said he was prompted to buy a hybrid vehicle almost a year ago because of the need to cut down on transport and vehicle maintenance costs. "I also care about the environment. I know hybrid vehicles and EVs are a bit more expensive when buying, but it's worth it in the long run." Enditem

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