Having followed the development in Zambia since I attended elementary school in the country from 1981 to 1982, there is finally some good news that resonates with me in the context of the global EV revolution and the world’s transition to sustainable energy generation and consumption.
Zambia’s new President-elect, 59-year-old Hakainde Hichilema, is determined to push Zambia forward as a key player in the new low carbon world order, the secret weapon being copper. Zambia is the second largest producer of copper in Africa, and has substantial quantities of cobalt too.
Who Is Hakainde Hichilema?
I heard about Hakainde Hichilema the first time in 2016 when he got arrested during the general elections, and I lost hope for any significant development in the country short term.
It was a case of sixth time lucky for Hakainde Hichilema, who has finally become president of Zambia after five unsuccessful attempts.
Mr Hichilema defeated his main rival, the outgoing President Edgar Lungu, by more than a million votes. Mr Hichilema, 59, has described himself as an ordinary “cattle boy”, who herded his family’s livestock in his youth before going on to become one of Zambia’s richest men.
The president-elect and leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND) is widely referred to as HH. He was born into humble beginnings before managing to get a scholarship to the University of Zambia, and later graduated with an MBA degree from the University of Birmingham in the UK.
He went on to make a fortune in finance, property, ranching, healthcare and tourism.
Mr Hichilema has shown resilience in his political career. Along with his five electoral losses, he often reminds people that he has been arrested 15 times since getting into politics.
In 2016, he was charged with treason for allegedly failing to give way to the presidential motorcade. He spent four months in a maximum-security jail before the charges were dropped.
What Will Zambia Do Now?
I have a few friends in Zambia, of all ages, and they collectively just want to work and make decent living. From what I hear, the labor market has not been fair for a long time, with nepotism and corruption affecting all layers. It’s difficult to explain, but let me set the scene with an example: In 2019 I was fortunate enough to teach grade 9 at my old school for just one hour. I had brought a small solar cell, a small battery, and a small toy electric car. While explaining and demonstrating how all this worked, the 40-some students were dead silent paying attention, and when the class was over, their teacher asked them who would now like to be an engineer? In a split second all hands rose high!
So how will the election of HH change anything? From The Times UK:
In his acceptance speech on Monday, he [Hakainde Hichilema] pledged major structural and policy changes in all sectors but particularly mining.
Africa’s second-largest copper-producer — the metal accounts for more than 70% of the country’s export earnings — had witnessed a noticeable deterioration in its mining investment climate during Lungu’s second term in office, “damaging relations between miners and the government beyond repair”, the CEO of Africa-focused strategic advisory firm Africa Practice, Marcus Courage, told S&P Global Platts.
“This also resulted in lower levels of investment, lower copper production and reduced receipts for the government, in spite of a rebound in global copper prices,” Courage said.
Hichilema’s pledge to create jobs and restore Zambia’s economy now hinges on his ability to restore confidence among investors and see stalled mining investments resume once more, Courage said.
“If he can get this right, then the Zambian Copperbelt can be competitive once more, and can become a hive of global mining activity, creating jobs.”
Infrastructure Is Key
Zambia is an immensely resourceful country, both in terms of natural resources and human resources. My old school is finally getting access to electricity, but it has taken more than 4 decades to hook it up to the main lines from the road right next to the school grounds! And as is clear from my visit there the last time, all these rural schools are rife with young people ready to make a difference (on my last visit in 2019 I visited 5 rural schools, all with the same sentiment).
The Chibwe school library building ready to get connected to the grid in 2019. Photo credit: Jesper Berggreen.
Despite the former President’s questionable priorities, solar plants have been and are being deployed on a large scale in the country, but the key is infrastructure, and more specifically, last mile infrastructure. Connecting rural communities with the main grid of transportation and energy has been so slow that you would be hard pressed to notice any difference from decade to decade. In contrast, cellular communication infrastructure is very good.
Here is a concrete visual example I filmed in 2019: This truck is the main mode of transporting people and goods on a 30-mile stretch off of a main road in the southern province. On this pitiful excuse of a road are located 7 villages, each with their government elementary school. The truck has the same average speed as a goat.
Of a population of 10 million, at least 60% is struggling with the lack of effective infrastructure. Zambia has the potential to be a very strong economy in Africa based on its unique position in terms of natural resources, young and ambitious population, and last but not least, being a multi-ethnic society itself with 73 tribes and 7 main native languages, its long history of peaceful cooperation with its 8 neighboring countries!
What About China?
China has a strong presence in Africa, and Zambia is no exception. The country has contracts in mining, hydro, and solar power, and some would argue the Chinese practice ruthless business strategies. I am no expert on Chinese matters, so I can only hope Zambia’s new government will be able to strike deals with any foreign partner that is of the primary interest of the peoples of Zambia.
Myself and friends checking out a Chinese-deployed 10 kW solar hammer mill in Zambia 2019. Photo credit: Jesper Berggreen.
I have personally been waiting for this breakthrough for 40 years. Nothing would make me more proud than for Zambia to step in as an open, conscientious, and fair global business partner in the worlds transition away from the aftermath of the fossil fuel era.
The battery pack in my local Zambia-manufactured toy wire car in 1981 may only power the on board radio, but it’s a BEV nonetheless! Photo credit: Birgit Berggreen.
I can’t wait to one day drive up to my old Chibwe school in a full size solar charged electric vehicle and give another lecture on the subject.
The current EV era is ripe with revered classic car designs and iconic nameplates that are being reborn as battery-powered rides – and the success of cars the Renault 5 proves it can be a winning formula. Today, I’m suggesting another 1980s classic that deserves a modern electric update: the Buick Grand National.
As for the “Grand National” part, the timeslip will solve that.
Why it would work
Cadillac CELESTIQ; via GM.
Thanks to the nearly $300,000 Cadillac CELESTIQ ultra-luxury car, we’ve already seen GM put a low-slung sedan body on its EV skateboard. That car uses a pair of electric motors, one on each axle, for a 655 hp all-wheel driving experience capable of launching the big sedan from 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds.
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Putting those same motors under a shorter, lighter two-door sedan body would put my proposed all-electric Buick Electra at just under 6,000 lbs., and make the new car more than quick enough to earn the Grand National badge with a 3.5-second dash to 60 on its way to an 11.25 (ish) second quarter mile at about 120 mph. As for cost? You could almost name your price, but keeping it just under the Chevy Corvette’s $74,780 base price would make it a winner.
Limit production to 1987 units, make them order-only so dealers can’t ruin the party with obscene markups, and Buick can watch the money roll in … possibly.
You guys are smart, so I’m sure you’ll be able to find all the problems with this particular take – and I can’t wait to hear them! Should it be RWD only? A plug-in hybrid? Scroll on down to the comments and let me know what you think it would take to make a battery-powered Buick GNX revival make sense.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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If you’ve been dreaming about hitting the open road on two wheels with serious power, comfort, and style, the Cikada Touring e-Bike might just be your perfect ride. Designed for modern explorers who want adventure without compromise, this premium e-bike blends high-end performance with thoughtful design.
Smooth power that takes you everywhere
At the heart of the Cikada Touring e-Bike is a BaFang M410 350W motor that packs a punch with 80Nm of torque and provides assisted speed of up to 20 mph.
Mounted at the bike’s center, the motor’s placement creates ideal weight distribution, boosting traction and handling on everything from steep climbs to winding trails. Its compact design integrates seamlessly into the frame, keeping the center of gravity low for a more stable, confident ride that feels naturally in sync with your movements.
You’ll climb hills like a pro and accelerate with ease. It’s efficient, reliable, and perfect for riders who want consistent power for touring, commuting, or weekend adventures. Plus, it’s got walk assistance for when you’re not riding.
Go the distance
Worried about running out of juice? Don’t be. The 720Wh LG 21700 removable battery delivers a range of up to 75 miles (121 km) on a single charge. That’s plenty of power for long scenic routes, daily commutes, or even multi-day rides when you want to explore more and charge less. And when it’s time to juice up again, it only takes six to eight hours to reach full charge.
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Built for comfort and confidence
No matter where the road takes you, the Cikada Touring e-Bike is ready. Its 27.5 x 2.8-inch Kenda anti-puncture tires with reflector strips keep you rolling smoothly and safely, while the suspension fork absorbs bumps across various terrains. Add an ergonomic design and 6061 aluminum frame, and you’ve got a bike that feels stable, balanced, and built to last.
Hydraulic disc brakes give you confident stopping power, and with 8-speed Microshift gearing, you’ll have full control over every incline and descent.
Everything you need, built in
The Cikada Touring e-Bike comes fully equipped for adventure. With integrated rear rack, lights, and mudguards, it’s road-ready right out of the box. No extra accessories needed – just hop on and ride.
Plus, the integrated Bafang system means your motor, sensor, and display all work seamlessly together for a smooth, intuitive riding experience.
Take it to the next level with the Cikada app
Plan, manage, and customize your next adventure with the Cikada app. Available on Android and iOS, it pairs your smartphone to your e-bike via Bluetooth so you can dive into real-time performance data, service tools, and smart ride features that make every journey smoother and more connected. You can track your progress, analyze past rides, fine-tune your ride settings, check your bike’s status, and even share your location or ride stats with the Cikada community, all from one easy-to-use dashboard.
Why riders love it
The Cikada Touring e-Bike is more than just a good-looking ride. It’s a thoughtful blend of power, endurance, and comfort – ideal for riders who want to explore new places, tackle longer distances, or simply enjoy every mile with confidence.
Plus, Cikada offers a 30-day trial period on all its e-Bikes. If you’re not happy, Cikada refunds your purchase, no questions asked.
Ready to tour farther, climb higher, and ride in style? Check out the premium Cikada Touring e-Bike and start your next great adventure.
The new pilot program will see 50 new Chevy Brightdrop vans deployed in a collaboration between Target, Circuit EV Solutions, and a last-mile logistics startup called the Frontdoor Collective that relies on its franchise owners to make its deliveries instead of outsourcing that delivery work to independent contract carriers gig workers.
“We’re building the infrastructure backbone that makes high-volume electric delivery possible nationwide,” said Adam Greenberg, CEO at Circuit EV Solutions. “By ensuring fleets have the charging support they need, we’re removing the final barrier to true EV scalability in last-mile logistics.”
Circuit EV Solutions provides the backbone of the highly-visible Target collaboration, delivering the fleet management and charging software to monitors vehicle health, schedule depot charging, and ensure that every Chevy Brightdrop van leaves the hub with an optimally full battery and a fully optimized delivery route, eliminating range anxiety among the vans’ operators.
For independent delivery service providers, that’s a killer combination that can help translate to higher margins and more time back in their busy days to spend with their families – which is something I think we can all get behind.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.