Source: CMED ramps up rollout of electric cars – herald

Minister Felix Mhona

Herald Reporter

THE Central Mechanical Equipment Department has scaled up its electric vehicle programme with the establishment of a new sales unit dedicated to EVs and e-buses, as the parastatal moves to consolidate its position in the green mobility sector.

The development comes as Zimbabwe accelerates efforts to cut carbon emissions by 40 percent and reduce the costly import bill on fossil fuels, which currently sees the country spending approximately US$1,2 billion annually on fuel imports.

In an interview, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, said CMED remains a critical pillar in Government operations, with its mandate spanning vehicle hire, fleet maintenance and now construction.

He noted that the EV programme is already contributing to national climate goals while reducing operational costs across ministries.

“In 2026, CMED is successfully scaling up its electric vehicle programme, contributing to our national climate goals and reducing operational costs across ministries. Its vehicle servicing operations have supported uninterrupted mobility for Government departments, while its entry into construction has opened new avenues for infrastructure delivery,” said Minister Mhona.

To date, CMED has mobilised a fleet of over 44 fully electric vehicles, ranging from light motor vehicles and commuter omnibuses to luxury coaches. The fleet is already operational in various parts of the country, providing airport shuttles and tourism transport services, particularly in the resort city of Victoria Falls.

However, the Minister acknowledged operational hurdles that have frustrated stakeholders, including delays in vehicle turnaround times, limited availability of spare parts and concerns over service quality and responsiveness.

“These achievements have not come without challenges. Delays in vehicle turnaround times, limited availability of spare parts and concerns over service quality have been raised by various stakeholders. As we move forward, I urge CMED to address these concerns with urgency and transparency,” said Minister Mhona.

He called for strengthened internal systems and enhanced stakeholder engagement to ensure the company remains a reliable partner in public service delivery.

The Government is backing the transition with supportive policies, including reduced import duties on EVs, while fuel companies and private players are installing fast-charging stations along major highways, including the 440-kilometre Harare-Bulawayo route, to facilitate cross-country travel.

Minister Mhona urged the private sector to tap into the vast investment opportunities within the e-mobility ecosystem, particularly in vehicle manufacturing, charging solutions, battery technology, and recycling.

“The shift towards electro-mobility not only supports environmental conservation but also opens up significant avenues for investment and development. We encourage businesses to explore opportunities in manufacturing electric vehicles, developing charging solutions, and providing maintenance services tailored to EV users,” he said.

As the country marches towards its Vision 2030 of an upper-middle-income economy, the promotion of e-mobility is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping a cleaner, more efficient, and investment-driven transport sector.

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