E-mobility & DRE Innovations in Emerging Economies

The report examines the synergy between decentralised renewable energy (DRE) and electric mobility (e-mobility) in rural and peri-urban areas of emerging economies. It argues that DRE systems, such as solar mini-grids, can overcome electricity access barriers and provide a sustainable power source for electric vehicles (EVs), which in turn can act as mobile batteries to balance DRE systems. Through 13 case studies and an expert interview, the document highlights the socio-economic benefits of this transition—including reduced operational costs for transport operators, job creation, and improved access to healthcare—while identifying critical barriers such as high capital expenditure (CAPEX), lack of supportive regulatory frameworks, and supply chain disruptions. The report provides specific recommendations for project developers, policymakers, and investors to scale these solutions through local R&D, blended finance, and gender-lens investment.

• The global transport sector is a major source of pollution, contributing approximately 17% of global greenhouse gas emissions, or 846 billion metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
• Electric vehicles can enhance the stability of DRE systems by serving as mobile batteries that store electricity during periods of high production, thereby reducing the need for stationary battery storage.
• High initial capital expenditure (CAPEX) is a primary economic barrier to the commercial viability and long-term sustainability of e-mobility projects.
• The absence of national e-mobility frameworks and policies in emerging economies leads to delayed market penetration and poor decision-making.
• Local product development and the use of circular economy principles, such as battery reuse and repair, are essential for achieving product-market fit and reducing costs.
• In Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, retrofitting safari vehicles to electric power using solar systems reduced noise and emissions for wildlife and visitors while lowering lodge operating costs.
• In Uganda, the use of electric outboards for fishing boats on Lake Victoria reduced operational costs for fishermen by an estimated 20-60%.
• The Zembo project in Uganda utilizes a battery-as-a-service model and PayGo financing to make electric motorcycles accessible to low-income boda boda riders.
• In the Philippines, the conversion of gasoline-powered tricycles to electric versions on Boracay Island addressed severe air and noise pollution, as gasoline tricycles previously produced over two-thirds of the transport sector's air pollution.
• In India, an all-electric hub for grocery delivery in Hyderabad reduced the cost per delivery from over 100 INR to 48 INR.
• The 'Hamba' fleet in Zimbabwe uses three-wheeled electric vehicles and blended finance to improve healthcare access and provide affordable mobility for rural women.

APA

Kuranel, N. R., & Mohapatra, D. (2022). E-mobility & DRE Innovations in Emerging Economies. Alliance for Renewable Electrification. https://www.renewelec.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/E-Mobility-DRE-Innovations.pdf

Chicago

Kuranel, N. Robin, and Deepak Mohapatra. E-mobility & DRE Innovations in Emerging Economies. Alliance for Renewable Electrification, 2022. https://www.renewelec.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/E-Mobility-DRE-Innovations.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Kuranel |first1=N. Robin |last2=Mohapatra |first2=Deepak |title=E-mobility & DRE Innovations in Emerging Economies |publisher=Alliance for Renewable Electrification |date=December 2022 |url=https://www.renewelec.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/E-Mobility-DRE-Innovations.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{kuranel2022emobility, author = {Kuranel, N. Robin and Mohapatra, Deepak}, title = {{E-mobility \& DRE Innovations in Emerging Economies}}, institution = {Alliance for Renewable Electrification}, year = {2022}, month = dec, url = {https://www.renewelec.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/E-Mobility-DRE-Innovations.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }