Imagine a city where the roar of engines, the buzz of motorbikes, and the constant honking are replaced by a serene hush, where movement still thrives, but noise pollution disappears. This isn’t a scene from a futuristic film. It’s the reality electric vehicles (EVs) promise, and it could radically transform how we experience urban life.
As countries grapple with the growing chaos of traffic, the deafening din of internal combustion engines (ICEs), and the environmental toll of fossil fuels, electric mobility emerges not just as a climate solution, but as a peacekeeper.
In many African cities, and around the world, noise pollution is an unspoken plague. Overspeeding motorcycles, matatus (public minibuses), trucks, and personal cars fill our streets with an uninterrupted symphony of engines revving, horns blaring, and exhausts roaring. This constant background noise isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a health hazard.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), noise pollution can lead to sleep disturbances, cardiovascular problems, poor cognitive performance in children, and increased stress levels. In Nairobi, Lagos, Johannesburg, and many other fast-growing urban centers, the issue is becoming more than just about comfort, it’s about public health.
Enter the Electric Vehicle
Electric vehicles are inherently quieter than their gasoline or diesel counterparts. They don’t rely on internal combustion, which is the primary source of engine noise. Instead, EVs operate on electric motors, emitting minimal sound, so little, in fact, that some regulators now require manufacturers to artificially add sound for pedestrian safety.
In a city populated by EVs, the streets would feel radically different. Walking on the sidewalk wouldn’t involve dodging a swarm of speeding boda bodas with roaring mufflers. Schools, hospitals, and residential areas would be more peaceful. Even the simple act of sitting in a park or enjoying a street café would take on a new tranquility.
Environmental and Health Benefits
Noise reduction is only one benefit of EV adoption. The shift to electric vehicles also means reduced emissions, both in terms of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and air pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM2.5). These pollutants are responsible for respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and thousands of premature deaths annually.
For instance, a study by the International Energy Agency (IEA) found that replacing one gasoline-powered car with an EV can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 1.5 metric tons per year. Multiplied across a city, that’s a massive drop in emissions.
Cleaner air and quieter streets mean healthier populations and more livable urban spaces, goals that align with many African cities’ development agendas, especially in the face of climate change and rapid urbanization.
Despite the promise, EV adoption remains slow in many parts of the developing world. In Kenya, for example, electric vehicle uptake is growing but still marginal. As of 2023, Kenya had only about 2,000 registered EVs, compared to millions of internal combustion engine vehicles.
Several barriers hold back widespread adoption:
- High upfront costs: EVs are still more expensive than conventional vehicles, despite lower lifetime maintenance and energy costs.
- Charging infrastructure: Most cities lack sufficient EV charging stations, especially in rural or informal areas.
- Public awareness: Many people still don’t fully understand the benefits of EVs or are skeptical about their performance.
- Policy gaps: While some governments offer incentives, policy frameworks are often weak or poorly enforced.
The Role of Policy and Private Investment
Governments and private sector players can change this trajectory. Kenya has already taken steps, like exempting EVs from excise duty and VAT, to lower costs. Several local startups, including Roam and BasiGo, are building electric buses and motorcycles specifically for African cities.
Private investment is also pouring into the sector. In 2024, Sun King secured a $156 million securitization deal to expand off-grid solar energy, a key enabler for EV charging in areas without reliable grid electricity.
Smart policies, including subsidies, EV-friendly road networks, battery recycling programs, and mandatory public transport electrification, can accelerate the shift.
Also read: Electricity from Diesel Plants Up ~11%, Driving Up Power Tariffs
Let’s return to that image of a peaceful city. Streets where children can walk to school without the blaring horns. Maternity wards without the rumble of diesel trucks outside. Morning commutes that don’t begin with a headache from motorbike exhaust.
In this new urban soundscape, delivery vans hum softly through neighbourhoods, public buses glide quietly to a stop, and even traffic jams feel less aggressive. The mental relief this would bring is almost unimaginable in today’s context, but it’s achievable.
