Green Mobility Accelerates as Chinese-backed EV Vehicles Hit Tanzanian Roads
Posted on : Thursday, 2nd April 2026
Tanzania’s move toward environmentally friendly transport is accelerating with the rollout of the country’s first electric dual-cab pickup trucks, developed through Chinese technology and supply collaborations.
Jenga Taifa Pamoja Auto Limited (JTP Auto), a local electric mobility firm, has partnered with prominent Chinese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to introduce cost-effective electric vehicles designed specifically for Tanzanian roads and climate conditions.
Amar Shangavi, the founder and CEO of JTP Auto, explained that the decision to work with Chinese manufacturers was strategic, given China’s strong global position in EV innovation and large-scale production. He noted that these partnerships make it possible to adapt vehicles to Tanzania’s needs while leveraging advanced, proven technology.
Although key components are sourced from China, JTP Auto remains majority Tanzanian-owned and is committed to strengthening domestic expertise. Within the next two years, the company plans to establish full-scale EV assembly operations locally, in collaboration with the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology, aiming to promote knowledge transfer and develop homegrown engineering skills.
The company is initially targeting commercial clients with its electric pickups, recognizing that businesses are often quicker to adopt new technologies when there are clear economic advantages.
According to company estimates, operating an EV in Tanzania costs about 86 percent less per kilometer than using a petrol vehicle. While traditional cars typically cover 10 to 15 kilometers per liter of fuel, electricity expenses average around 25 Tanzanian shillings (approximately 0.01 U.S. dollar) per kilometer, compared to roughly 200 shillings per kilometer for petrol.
Shangavi emphasized that the pickups are built to handle demanding local conditions, including commercial and fleet use, while offering substantial cost savings and dependable daily performance.
Smiles Rent-A-Car Services Limited, based in Dar es Salaam, is among the first partners adopting the new electric vehicles. Operations manager Kassim Mbilinga said his previous exposure to EVs overseas highlighted their potential benefits. The company has already installed charging facilities at its premises to support the growing electric fleet, anticipating wider infrastructure development.
To ease concerns about range and charging access, JTP Auto is also investing in high-speed charging infrastructure. It is in the final stages of installing two 120-kilowatt public charging stations in Dar es Salaam. Over the next two years, the firm plans to expand charging points along major transport routes, including Chalinze, Bagamoyo, Tanga, Arusha, Dodoma, and Iringa, facilitating long-distance electric travel across the country.
The Tanzanian government has expressed support for clean energy initiatives and local manufacturing, aligning EV adoption with national economic priorities. Reducing reliance on imported fuel could help conserve foreign exchange reserves and keep more capital within the country, while increased electricity usage would support domestic utilities and infrastructure growth.
Overall, the transition to electric mobility is expected to lower urban air pollution, contribute to climate objectives, and position Tanzania within a broader African shift toward sustainable transportation. As Mbilinga observed, the global trend toward electric vehicles is undeniable, and Tanzania’s adoption represents a natural progression in the evolution of transport.
