With a projected global electric vehicle market of about $271.67 billion by 2019, on sales of 64.4 million units, the fear of harm to the environment as a result of global emissions will have to a large extent been quelled. Tesla motor, a designer and manufacturer of premium electric vehicles, is certain that electric cars will shape the future of the auto industry.
It is the drive to ensure environmentally friendly vehicles that Tesla Motor has planned to $1.5 billion in capital spending this year, mainly to launch the Model X, a battery powered, eco-friendly sports vehicle with batmobile-like doors. Tesla is still in startup mode and some of the $47 million was invested into the future of the company.
A recent study on the environment showed that 50 percent of global emissions of organic carbon could come from Africa in 2030. This harrowing number has caused environmentalists to worry about the state of the ozone layer. Nigeria’s estimated population of about 173.6 million presently relies on carbon based fuel such as petrol and diesel to generate power. According to the study, this may contribute close to half of the total emission of organic carbon in Africa.
In light of this report, experts are saying Africa needs to look into alternative means for power generation, one of which is the use of electric powered vehicle.
According to Carmudi.com, one of the largest online car platforms, the future looks bright for Tesla, and for other electric car manufacturers. Emerging markets will provide a massive opportunity for the brand. A growing middle class, coupled with the abundance of millennials, means more sustainability-conscious motorists who are willing and able to switch from owning gas-guzzlers to luxury electric-powered vehicles such as Tesla’s Model S.
To Amy Muoneke, the managing director of Carmudi Nigeria, “The eco-friendly vehicles which are listed on Carmudi are mostly hybrid, and almost all of these hybrid vehicle listings are based in Asia, that’s more than 90 percent of them.” According to her, Africa as a whole must embrace the electric vehicle in order to create a more sustainable future for the next generation. With BYD Auto Industry set to assemble the first electric car in conjunction with R.T Briscoe in 2016, the desire to be less dependent on petrol cars is becoming a reality.
By Pita Ochai
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