Jordan is in the midst of an electric vehicle revolution, reflecting a global shift that’s particularly pronounced since 2020. This surge isn’t just about numbers; it’s about a profound change in how Jordanians view mobility. China’s ambitious goal to have 100 million electric vehicles on its roads by 2030 has fueled a local manufacturing boom and global sales boom, making EVs more accessible and affordable. In Jordan, this global trend has translated into exponential growth, with EVs making up 66.5% of all car sales by Q1 2024. This places Jordan second only to Norway, underscoring the nation’s rapid embrace of electric mobility.
Charging Stations
As more Jordanians make the switch to electric vehicles, the infrastructure is quickly catching up. Public charging stations have mushroomed across the country, evolving to meet the needs of this burgeoning market. Today, many of these stations are dedicated exclusively to EVs, operating around the clock to keep up with demand.
With an average capacity of 160 kW, these stations ensure that EV drivers can charge up in just 15-20 minutes, a testament to Jordan’s commitment to supporting its electric transition.
Economic Benefits
For Jordanian drivers, especially those covering significant distances, the switch to electric vehicles isn’t just a nod to sustainability—it’s a smart financial move.
Imagine driving 20,000 kilometers a year: if you’re behind the wheel of an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, you’d be spending around $2,600 USD on gasoline. But with an EV, your annual electricity cost drops to just $700 USD (battery size is 50KWh and can drive 400KM/charge and ICE driving 10km/liter) and using the average cost of gasoline octane 90 in Jordan $1.3 USD/Liter and cost of EV Charging at $0.28USD/KWh. That’s a savings of $1,900 USD, or 73%, every year. For many, especially ride-hailing drivers who clock up the miles, these savings are nothing short of transformative.
Environmental Benefits
The impact of Jordan’s shift to electric vehicles is more than just economic—it’s environmental. In a recent TV interview, the Vice Chairman of the Free Zones Investors Authority revealed that over 120,000 EVs are now navigating Jordan’s roads. This shift has a measurable impact: with EVs consuming around 350 GWh of electricity annually, Jordan is significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
Compared to the 652,000 metric tons of CO2 that would have been emitted by traditional gasoline vehicles, the EVs contribute just 162,000 metric tons. That’s a reduction of 490,000 metric tons of CO2 each year—a powerful testament to the environmental benefits of this electric revolution. Reducing the emissions will reduce the pollution, improve the air quality, improve health and reduce sick days, and have an indirect positive impact on the economy.
Policy and Economic Incentives
The surge in electric vehicle sales in Jordan is no accident; it’s the result of smart policies and forward-thinking incentives. Beyond the allure of free customs tax for the first five years and the current reduced rates, a game-changing factor has recently emerged: the introduction of the Time of Use (TOU) electricity tariff. Since its launch on July 1st, 2024, this innovative scheme has made charging an EV at home more affordable during off-peak hours, costing just 108 fils/kWh between 5 a.m. and 2 p.m., compared to 160 fils/kWh during peak evening hours. Residential consumers can also install an electric meter for EV charging and benefit from the TOU tariff because the on peak tariff (17:00 – 23:00) is reduce from $0.226 USD/KWH to $0.166 USD/KWh during off peak (05:00- 14:00), a 26.5% decrease.
This pricing strategy isn’t just about saving money—it’s about reshaping the way energy is used in Jordan. By aligning electricity consumption with the sun’s energy production, TOU tariffs are helping to seamlessly integrate renewable sources like solar power into our daily lives, making the dream of a sustainable future not just possible, but practical.
Regulatory Developments
Beyond economic incentives, Jordan’s regulatory landscape has been pivotal in shaping the future of electric vehicles. On August 12th, 2024, the government took a decisive step by issuing new regulations for accrediting inspection centers for used EVs. These regulations define any EV with more than 7,000 kilometers on its odometer as “used” and set rigorous standards for their inspection. Earlier this year, procedures for assessing the conformity of EVs were also published in the Official Gazette, ensuring that every electric vehicle on Jordan’s roads meets the highest safety and performance benchmarks.
However, this push for excellence comes with challenges. The EV market in Jordan will need several months to upgrade its skills and services to comply with these new standards. Currently, over 25 centers offer EV inspection services, but only one is fully equipped to meet the new requirements. This period of transition is crucial as the industry races to adapt, ensuring that Jordan’s roads are not just filled with electric vehicles but with vehicles that are safe, reliable, and ready to drive the nation into a sustainable future.
Fleet Enhancements
The electric vehicle revolution in Jordan is not just a story of individual drivers making greener choices—it’s a movement that’s reshaping the entire transportation landscape and positioning Jordan as a global leader in EV adoption. As of August 2024, Jordan has proudly put over 120,000 electric vehicles on its roads, a milestone announced by the Vice Chairman of the Free Zones Investors Authority.
But the shift doesn’t stop there. Jordan Post has taken a bold step by upgrading its fleet with 15 new electric vehicles, signaling a strong commitment to sustainability. The transformation extends to public transit as well, with the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system preparing to roll out 15 e-buses before the year’s end. These initiatives are more than just numbers; they’re a powerful testament to Jordan’s resolve to lead the way in electric mobility, ensuring that both public and commercial transportation are driving toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.
Bottom Line
Jordan’s electric vehicle surge is more than a trend; it’s a movement toward a sustainable future that benefits everyone—from the individual driver to the planet itself.
