The Addis Ababa City Administration has officially announced a revised pricing tariff for new vehicle license plates, featuring significant discounts for eco-friendly transport. Comprehensive of Value Added Tax (VAT), the updated fees for pair-plates (front and rear) will take full effect starting in the upcoming 2018 Ethiopian Calendar (E.C.) fiscal year.
In a strategic move to promote environmental sustainability, the administration has introduced a substantial price gap favoring electric and natural gas vehicles over traditional fossil-fuel cars. This green initiative aims to accelerate the transition away from internal combustion engines and reduce urban carbon emissions.
Under the new schedule, private, commercial, and diplomatic fuel-powered vehicles will be charged 56,000 Birr per pair, while their electric or natural gas counterparts enjoy a reduced rate of 44,500 Birr. This structural discount reflects the city’s commitment to easing the financial burden on early adopters of sustainable automotive technology.
Public transit and local taxi services have also received heavily subsidized rates to keep commuting affordable for residents. Standard fuel-powered public taxis will face a plate fee of 11,700 Birr (9,400 Birr for electric), while city and cross-country public buses utilizing fossil fuels are priced at 9,400 Birr (7,100 Birr for eco-friendly alternatives).
Furthermore, the commercial logistics sector will experience major financial relief designed to encourage cleaner freight operations across national corridors. Border-crossing cargo trucks running on conventional fuel are mandated to pay 28,500 Birr, whereas those operating on electric or natural gas systems will only be charged 15,200 Birr—yielding a massive promotional discount of over 13,000 Birr.
Finally, individual rate brackets have been finalized for government units, social welfare sectors, and smaller commuter vehicles. Government-owned fleets and vehicles for persons with disabilities (PD) will match the bus tariff at 9,400 Birr for fuel and 7,100 Birr for electric. For micro-mobility, three-wheeled Bajajes will pay 9,400/7,100 Birr (fuel/electric), while two-wheeled motorcycles round out the list at 4,700/3,550 Birr.