Electric Cars

While Norway dominates the global spotlight for its electric vehicle (EV) adoption, a lesser-known contender has quietly surged to prominence. Jordan, with its unique blend of challenges and opportunities, now holds the second-highest share of new EV sales globally. This remarkable achievement raises questions about what drives such success in an unexpected market.

Revolutionizing Mobility: How Jordan is Redefining Electric Vehicle Adoption

Jordan’s rise as a global leader in EV adoption is not just a story of numbers but one of strategic policy decisions, consumer preferences, and environmental necessity. The nation's EV revolution offers lessons that extend far beyond its borders.

A Regional Powerhouse in Electrification

Despite being overshadowed by wealthier neighbors like the United Arab Emirates, Jordan commands 45% of all EV sales in the Middle East—a testament to its dominance in regional electrification efforts. For the first four months of 2025, although the EV share slightly dipped, it remains poised to challenge Iceland for the world's second-highest EV adoption rate. In Amman, where traffic congestion meets air quality concerns, EVs dominate ride-hailing fleets, offering both cost savings and environmental benefits.The transition isn’t merely symbolic; it represents a significant economic shift. According to Cita EV, the market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 35%, creating over 5,000 jobs in sectors ranging from infrastructure installation to maintenance services. By 2028, the charging infrastructure alone could reach $75 million annually. These projections underscore the transformative potential of EVs in reshaping Jordan's economy.As demand surges, local assembly plants are under consideration, though challenges persist due to limited expertise and industrial tradition. Meanwhile, commercial vehicles are slowly joining the trend, with entities like Jordan Post transitioning to electric light trucks and Amman planning e-buses for its Bus Rapid Transit system.

Economic Drivers Behind the Surge

High petrol prices—among the steepest in the Middle East—serve as a powerful motivator for Jordanian drivers to embrace EVs. With fuel costs consuming up to a third of household incomes, switching to electricity reduces expenses by approximately 73%. This translates to annual savings of nearly $2,000 for the average driver, who might earn around $7,000 per year.For professional drivers covering long distances daily, the financial advantages multiply. The introduction of time-of-use tariffs further sweetens the deal, making home charging cheaper during off-peak hours when electricity rates drop significantly. Public charging stations maintain fixed, affordable prices, ensuring accessibility even outside private garages.Taxation policies have played a pivotal role too. Initially exempting EVs entirely, the government later introduced tiered registration taxes based on vehicle price. While adjustments caused temporary disruptions, they ultimately encouraged manufacturers to offer competitively priced models. Microfinancing schemes complement these measures, enabling low-income households to access loans for EV purchases, democratizing the technology across socioeconomic lines.

Infrastructure Following Demand

Unlike nations prioritizing charger deployment before vehicle adoption, Jordan adopted a reverse strategy: incentivize car purchases and let infrastructure follow suit. Remarkably, this approach appears successful, with a rapidly expanding network of chargers appearing nationwide. Even smaller towns benefit from this expansion, facilitated partly by regulations requiring new gas stations to include public charging facilities.Solar-powered charging stations along major highways exemplify innovative integration of renewable energy into transportation systems. These stations not only reduce reliance on fossil fuels but also align perfectly with Jordan's broader renewable energy targets, aiming for 50% clean electricity generation by 2030. Urban centers witness specialized EV-only stations offering high-speed charging capabilities, enhancing convenience for users accustomed to quick refueling times.However, challenges remain in areas such as vehicle maintenance. Many traditional garages lack the tools or training necessary to service EVs safely, posing logistical hurdles. Addressing these gaps will be crucial as the fleet continues to expand.

Societal Impacts Beyond Transportation

Approximately 150,000 EVs now traverse Jordan's roads, collectively reducing carbon dioxide emissions by over three-quarters compared to their conventional counterparts. As more vehicles join the ranks and renewable energy penetration increases, the climate benefits amplify year after year. Off-peak charging incentives enhance solar energy utilization, fostering synergy between transportation and power sectors.Improved air quality emerges as another critical outcome, particularly in urban hubs like Amman. Discussions around establishing green zones, restricting access to non-electric vehicles, highlight the nation's commitment to sustainable mobility. Such initiatives promise cleaner air and reduced health risks associated with pollution, reinforcing the positive societal impact of widespread EV adoption.Jordan's journey demonstrates that robust EV penetration isn't exclusive to wealthy nations. Through thoughtful policymaking, economic alignment, and forward-thinking strategies, developing countries can achieve meaningful progress in electromobility. Its position as a global runner-up in EV adoption serves as inspiration for others seeking similar transformations.