Zim GBC News | Harare Correspondent
HARARE – In a major strategic pivot, the Central Mechanical Equipment Department (CMED) has announced a decisive move into the electric vehicle (EV) market. The state-owned entity is establishing a new sales unit for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and e-buses, while also commencing the local assembly of low-speed electric vehicles (LSEVs).
This initiative forms the core of CMED’s 2026-2030 strategy, representing a significant step toward fulfilling the government’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2) goals for sustainable and modernized transportation.
The newly created sales unit will target a broad range of institutional buyers, including ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), parastatals, state enterprises, corporates, and individual consumers. To lead this market entry, a fully electric double-cab pick-up is currently undergoing trial runs for potential integration into the CMED fleet and subsequent commercial sale.
Simultaneously, CMED has begun local assembly of its first Neighbourhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) at its Coventry Road branch in Harare, leveraging technical skills acquired from India. These low-speed vehicles, with a top speed of 40 km/h and a range of 80km, are designed for specific sectors such as agricultural extension officers, rural transporters, farmers, and golf estates.
Acknowledging that infrastructure remains the largest barrier to widespread EV adoption, CMED has committed to a nationwide rollout of charging points. The company has already installed 10 charging piles in Harare and Victoria Falls, achieving an estimated 15 percent of its 2025 target.
“CMED will prioritise the expansion of the charging network countrywide to support the anticipated growth in e-mobility,” a company statement outlined.
However, the ambitious strategy faces significant headwinds. CMED has identified two major challenges that threaten to derail progress: the high initial purchase cost of electric vehicles and the country’s persistent erratic power supply. The success of the EV pivot may hinge on addressing these foundational issues alongside the rollout of vehicles and infrastructure.
This move positions CMED at the forefront of Zimbabwe’s emerging electric mobility transition, signaling a shift from traditional fuel-based transport solutions towards greener alternatives.
Follow Zim GBC News for more on this developing story:
· X (Twitter): @ZimGbc
·Instagram: @ZimGBCNews
·TikTok: @ZimGBCNews_01
·Facebook: Zim GBC News
·YouTube: Zim GBC News
Get real-time alerts on WhatsApp:
+263 773 820 323
For in-depth coverage, visit our website: www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
Zim GBC News | Global News From An African Perspective©2025