Jordan’s capital of Amman is preparing a rollout of electric vehicles fueled by solar energy with the aim of lowering air pollution and fossil fuel energy consumption.
More than 1 million cars are registered in Amman, and a significant portion of these cars are older, second-hand vehicles that do not meet today’s fuel efficiency and emissions standards. To begin to clean the city’s vehicle fleet, Amman launched a pilot project – in collaboration with public and private partners – that promotes a transition to solar-charged electric vehicles (EVs). In 2015, the pilot included 150 EVs and 10 charging stations that are free to use. The project also comes with an advanced information and monitoring system, which will contribute to a positive user experience.
The pilot prepares for a gradual rollout of EVs, with an expected next phase including 10,000 EVs and 3,000 charging stations that will be supplied with electricity from a 30-MWh solar farm. The city hopes to further scale the project if the pilot is deemed successful. A 10% shift to solar-powered EVs in Amman would save 120 million liters of fuel and 268,000 tons of CO2. In addition, a car-free zone in downtown areas is planned, which will rely on solar-powered EV taxis and public transport connected with parking in the perimeter of the city.
300 tons of CO2 reduction per year for the pilot
The challenge
Transportation accounts for more than 40% of Jordan’s energy use and is the country’s leading source of air pollution. As Amman is responsible for a majority of the more than 1.73 billion liters of gasoline and diesel fuels burned in Jordan annually, solar-charging EVs provide a win-win situation by reducing energy consumption and air pollution.
Co-benefits
Economic The pilot will create up to 300 jobs, while opening up business opportunities for related services and industries in Jordan.
Environmental For every liter of fuel saved by a solar-charged EV, 2.3 kilos of CO2 is reduced.
Health With significant air pollution stemming from private cars in Amman, the project will, when rolled out extensively, reduce respiratory illnesses.
About Amman
Amman is the capital and most populous city of Jordan, and has a population of 4,007,526 and a land area of 1,680 square kilometres (648.7 sq mi). Amman is considered to be among the most liberal and westernized Arab cities. It was also named one of the Middle East and North Africa’s best cities according to economic, labor, environmental, and socio-cultural factors.
