……..Togo exempts electric vehicles from import duties
The Indian car manufacturer, Mauto Electric Mobility (M Auto) has announced the marketing of its two electric motorbike models “Chap Chap” and “Commando” in these West African countries.
The company said the two-wheeled, electric motorbikes will henceforth circulate in Benin and Togo, and will help reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the transport sector of these two West African countries.
“The Commando electric motorbike is equipped with two 73.6V batteries that can travel at a maximum speed of 80km/h, with a range of up to 70km. It is marketed at 1.4 million CFA francs (2,166 euros) adjustable over 3 years at a rate of 1,299 CFA francs (about 2 euros) per day,” says the company.
As for the “Chap Chap” motorbike, it is equipped with a 72V lithium battery that can reach a speed of 90 km/h. The vehicle costs 1.93 million CFA francs (over 1,500 euros).
According to the general manager of M Auto Group, Mr. Alan Kevin, in Benin, the two-wheeled vehicles made available to professionals in the transport sector, households and companies will be recharged in stations that will soon be installed in Cotonou, in the Glo Djigbé industrial park.
In Togo, where M Auto has been present since September 2021, a recharging station will soon be operational in the Adétikopé industrial platform located 37 minutes from the capital Lomé.
“M Auto’s electric motorbikes are designed to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also to provide an innovative acquisition mechanism that promotes inclusion and develops the economy. The innovation we are bringing through these motorbikes reflects the energy transition that Benin, as well as other countries around the world, is committed to,” Alan Kevin said.
He hinted that the brand, which is also based in the United Arab Emirates, would produce and market one million of each of its electric motorbikes.
He also said that in addition to production, M Auto also intends to convert conventional motorbikes (with combustion engines) to electric in order to promote green mobility in the West African community.
This will limit noise and air pollution in Togo, where the company plans to create 2,000 green jobs for young people. In this process, the Togolese authorities also decided in March 2022 to exempt electric vehicles from import duties.
These vehicles are now approved by the government as part of a policy to accelerate the green economy.