# How Electric Vehicles Are Transforming Transport in Developing Countries

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/business/299767-how-electric-vehicles-are-transforming-transport-in-developing-countries
- Published: 2026-08-01T09:40:00+07:00
- Author: The World Economic Forum

Electric vehicles are often viewed as a technology reserved for wealthy nations,
but new analysis suggests this perception is rapidly becoming outdated. Research
supported by the World Bank shows that EV adoption in developing countries is not
only feasible — it is increasingly **economically advantageous**, especially for
public transport systems and the millions who rely on two‑ and three‑wheelers for
daily mobility.

## **A turning point for emerging economies**

Transport already accounts for around **20% of global greenhouse gas emissions**,
and this share is rising fastest in developing cities as populations grow and mobility
demand accelerates. Without a shift toward cleaner transport, these countries risk
locking in decades of additional emissions at a time when climate pressures are 
intensifying.

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The World Bank’s review of 20 developing countries finds that EVs — particularly
buses and smaller vehicles — now offer a compelling economic case. Falling battery
prices, lower operating costs, and the high mileage typical of public transport 
fleets make electrification increasingly attractive.

## **Where EVs deliver the biggest impact**

### **Electric buses**

Electric buses stand out as one of the most cost‑effective solutions for emerging
markets. Their predictable routes, centralized charging, and heavy daily usage mean
operators can quickly recover upfront investment through lower fuel and maintenance
costs. For cities struggling with congestion and pollution, e‑buses offer immediate
air‑quality benefits.

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### **Two‑ and three‑wheelers**

In many developing countries, motorcycles, scooters, and tuk‑tuks are the backbone
of urban mobility. Electric versions of these vehicles are already **price‑competitive**,
easier to maintain, and well‑suited for last‑mile transport and delivery services.
Their rapid adoption could transform mobility for millions while reducing noise 
and air pollution.

## **Development benefits beyond emissions**

The shift to EVs supports broader development goals:

 * **Cleaner air** in megacities where pollution contributes to millions of premature
   deaths each year.
 * **Energy security**, reducing dependence on volatile oil markets that disproportionately
   affect low‑income households.
 * **Improved mobility access**, especially in remote or underserved areas where
   electric bikes and scooters can connect people to jobs, schools, and essential
   services.

## **Examples from around the world**

Several countries are already demonstrating what EV adoption can look like at scale:

 * **Dakar, Senegal** is rolling out electric bus rapid transit corridors to improve
   mobility and cut emissions.
 * **India** plans to procure **50,000 electric buses** over the next decade, one
   of the largest such initiatives globally.
 * **Bogotá, Colombia** is piloting electric cargo bikes to support cleaner last‑
   mile delivery.
 * **Santiago, Chile** already operates **800 electric buses**, with 1,000 more 
   on the way as part of its 2050 carbon‑neutrality strategy.

These examples show that EV adoption is not a distant aspiration — it is already
happening across the developing world.

## **A practical path forward**

The message is clear: electric vehicles are no longer a luxury reserved for advanced
economies. For developing countries, they represent a **practical, scalable, and
economically sound** solution to improve mobility, strengthen energy resilience,
and reduce emissions. As costs continue to fall and technology improves, EVs — especially
buses and two‑/three‑wheelers — are poised to play a central role in building cleaner,
healthier, and more inclusive cities.