Africa E-Mobility Alliance ’s Post

In a groundbreaking move for sustainable transport in Africa, BYD and Kigali-based EV energy tech company, Ampersand, have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding. This collaboration aims to decarbonise Africa’s commercial motorbike transport system by integrating BYD’s advanced battery technology into Ampersand’s electric motorcycles. By the end of 2026, Ampersand plans to build approximately 40,000 electric motorbikes, driving forward their long-term vision to electrify a significant portion of Africa’s 30 million commercial motorbikes. This strategic partnership will allow Ampersand to leverage BYD’s cutting-edge lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells, known for their durability, safety, and affordability. The synergy between BYD’s manufacturing prowess and Ampersand’s deep understanding of the local market and technical expertise will expedite the deployment of electric motorbikes across Africa. Ampersand, already a leader in Rwanda and Kenya, will expand its electric fleet and charging infrastructure to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly commercial transportation. Ampersand’s CEO, Josh Whale, highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, “This marks a major milestone as we continue to lead the charge in providing sustainable, cost-effective, mass-market EV solutions.” Sihai Zhang from BYD echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of electrifying Africa’s commercial motorcycles to decarbonize the continent’s transport system and enhance economic growth. The benefits of this initiative are substantial. Electric motorbikes will not only reduce carbon emissions but also clean the air and save riders an average of 45% annually on fuel and maintenance costs. This will drive entrepreneurship and social mobility, ultimately improving lives and livelihoods across the continent. Together, BYD and Ampersand are pioneering a sustainable future for Africa’s transport sector. #SustainableTransport #ElectricMotorbikes #EVRevolution #AfricaRising #BYD #Ampersand #Decarbonization #GreenTech #Innovation #EconomicGrowth #CleanEnergy To read more: https://zurl.co/GLnV

Go Electric Inc. introduced New EV Models in Rwanda, Accelerating Sustainable Transport. Go Electric unveiled its latest UTU saloon car models in Rwanda, marking a significant stride towards environmentally friendly transportation solutions in the region. The company had planned to introduce over 1,000 EVs by 2025, offering a diverse range including saloon cars, three-wheelers, pick-ups, and trucks. To promote affordability, Go Electric had partnered with financial institutions to provide financing options, with prices starting at Sh1.7 million ($12,000). Evans Komen, Go Electric's Sales Director, had emphasized the company's commitment to a sustainable future for Rwanda and Africa. "We're investing Sh2.8 billion (USD 20 million) to import more vehicles, supporting the global shift towards e-mobility," he had stated. The recent delivery of new saloons had targeted ride-hailing companies and corporate clients seeking to transition to electric vehicles. Komen had envisioned a future where sustainable transportation was both environmentally conscious and economically viable. #Rwanda #ElectricVehicles #EVs #SustainableTransport #GreenEnergy #CleanTech #GoElectric #UTUsaloon #eMobility

There are now 5000 electric vehicles in Kenya and the government has committed to transitioning its fleet to electric. Alex Mwanzo, GM of Equator Mobility, has been at the forefront of Kenya’s EV market from the start. In this blog post, https://lnkd.in/dhbExzGN, Alex takes stock of the Kenyan EV market: "Whenever I talk to friends and customers in Nairobi about Electric Vehicles (EVs), I tend to get asked two questions: - Can it reach Mombasa from Nairobi (485km) on a single charge? - What are my charging options? The short answer to the Mombasa question is no…not yet…but who cares?! Most of us living in Nairobi have predictable routines that rarely involve driving to Mombasa: short commutes to work, lunch, and back home, typically covering less than 100 kilometers per day. This makes EVs ideal for daily use, especially since they spend most of their time parked. Having used an EV full-time for months, I've saved over 85% on fuel and virtually eliminated maintenance costs. I've taken my family on trips to Nanyuki (200km from Nairobi) in my Nissan Leaf, which proved cheaper and more comfortable than public transport. With infrastructure in its infancy, long-distance travel does remain challenging for most models in Kenya and across Africa, but the charging network is growing and with more fast chargers becoming available, full charges in an hour will soon be possible. Sales are increasing and the infrastructure will follow." Maris launched Equator Mobility in 2021 - Kenya’s first provider of fully-electric commercial vehicles and a leasing model that allows businesses to affordably transition their fleets from diesel to electric. #ElectricVehicles #EVKenya #SustainableTransport #GreenEnergy #EVInfrastructure #EquatorMobility #KenyaEVMarket #ElectricFleet #CleanEnergy #FutureOfTransport #ZeroEmissions #EVCharging #KenyaSustainability #ElectricCars #MarisAfrica

Curious about how electric vehicles are transforming transportation in Africa? Check out our feature in Reuters Ethical Corporation Magazine along with our partners Ampersand Energy! 👏 This article does a great job at not only explaining why the need for electric vehicles is important in Africa, but it also describes how Bboxx work with Ampersand to accelerate access to electric motorcycles. 🏍️ To date, more than 2,000 Ampersand vehicles occupy the roads in and beyond Kigali. Bboxx plays an essential role in providing access to fully charged batteries where these can be exchanged in various swap points. Our CEO, Mansoor Hamayun is quoted talking about Bboxx’s ambition to accelerate EV access: “We want to be a platform for different vehicle types, while trying to keep the battery as interoperable as possible.” Many thanks to Ben Payton and Reuters Events Sustainable Business for the feature! Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gDrvwhCZ #ElectricVehicles #Rwanda

Kenya and E-Mobility! Kenya has seen a growing number of e-mobility companies focusing on electric vehicles (EVs), electric bikes, and related technologies.Here are some of the notable companies i have come across; 1.The Purple Zebra (Bodawerk) - Specializes in electric motorcycles for delivery and transportation services. 2.Ampersand Energy - Focuses on electric motorcycle rentals and battery swapping systems. 3.Ecobodaa Mobility - Provides electric motorcycle services for ride-hailing and deliveries. 4.SolarAfrica Energy - Offers solar-powered solutions for electric vehicle charging. 5.Kagadi Energy - Develops electric vehicle solutions and infrastructure. These companies are contributing to the expansion of sustainable transportation in Kenya, addressing issues like urban congestion and pollution and i am here for it!!!😊 #ElectricVehicles #Sustainability #AutomotiveEngineering #Innovation #MechanicalEngineering

🌍🔋 Revolutionizing Mobility in Kenya: The Rise of Electric Motorcycles! 🏍️ As the world shifts towards sustainable energy solutions, Kenya is at the forefront of this transformation with the introduction of electric motorcycles. These eco-friendly mobility are not just a mode of transport; they represent a significant shift in how we think about mobility. Working Principles of Electric Motorcycles: Electric motorcycles operate on a simple yet effective principle: 1. Electric Motor: The heart of the motorcycle, it converts electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy. 2. Battery Pack: High-capacity lithium-ion batteries store energy, providing power to the electric motor. 3. Controller: This intelligent system manages the flow of electricity, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. 4. Charging System: Electric motorcycles can be recharged at home or through public charging stations, fostering convenience and accessibility. 🏍️ Why Choose Electric? - Sustainability: Reduced carbon emissions contribute to cleaner air in urban areas. - Cost-Effective: Lower operational costs compared to fuel-powered motorcycles. - Noise Reduction: Electric motors operate quietly, enhancing the riding experience. Kenya is home to several innovative companies leading the charge in electric mobility especially motorbikes: 1. ARC Ride 2. Ampersand Energy : . 3. Roam 4. eWAKA Mobility Limited 5.SPIRO among others #ElectricMotorcycles #Sustainability #CleanEnergy #Kenya #Innovation #TransportRevolution #RiderTechnologies #Ampersand #GreenMobility #FutureOfTransport

📢 S.U.L E-Mobility & Rwanda's Bold Step in E-Mobility 🌍⚡ 🌍⚡ Rwanda’s new mandate for electric-only public transport motorcycles in Kigali aligns perfectly with S.U.L E-Mobility’s GORILLA E-Motorcycle, offering moto-taxi operators a sustainable, cost-effective solution that reduces daily fuel costs by nearly 60% and boosts monthly savings by about Rwf 75,000. To support this shift, S.U.L has secured space in Kigali’s Special Economic Zone for a mega assembly line, ensuring that more operators can access electric motorcycles while creating jobs and strengthening Rwanda’s green industry. This step positions Kigali as a hub for e-mobility distribution across Rwanda and beyond. The GORILLA E-Motorcycle leads with top market range and a fast charge time under 40 minutes, minimizing downtime and maximizing operator income. This shift to electric is both environmentally sound and economically advantageous, offering lower maintenance and energy costs compared to fuel-powered bikes. S.U.L’s efforts align seamlessly with the strategic vision of the Government of Rwanda, relevant agencies, and development partners dedicated to sustainable urban transport, including Rwanda Ministry of Infrastructure(MININFRA), Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) PLC, City of Kigali, Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), and Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning. By working in collaboration with these authorities, S.U.L guarantees its support to Rwanda’s Climate and Nature Finance Strategy, which targets a 38% reduction in emissions by 2030. 🌍📈 Additionally, S.U.L is exploring partnerships with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) like The World Bank, IFC - International Finance Corporation , African Development Bank Group , and international agencies such as USAID, and UNDP Rwanda, to strengthen Rwanda’s e-mobility ecosystem and amplify its impact through targeted funding and technical support. We’re proud to support Rwanda’s vision, empowering moto-taxi operators to lead green mobility and drive a cleaner, prosperous future. Read more: The New Times (Rwanda) article here: https://lnkd.in/dNFyHFD7 #emobility #evpcharger #ElectricVehicles #EVs #Rwanda #Africa #CleanEnergy #greenmobility

Kenya Bus Service Management Ltd (KBS), Kenya’s oldest bus operator, has taken a significant step towards modernizing its fleet by acquiring its first electric bus. This 36-seater electric bus, assembled at Kenya’s pioneering high-volume assembly line operated by BasiGo at the Kenya Vehicle Assembly plant in Thika, represents a key milestone in KBS’s strategic initiative to embrace greener technology. The new KBS Electric Bus will serve routes including CBD – Kibera, CBD – KNH, and CBD – Utawala. Edwins Mukabanah, KBS Managing Director, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with BasiGo, Africa’s leading electric bus company, stating, “We are excited to upgrade our fleet and look forward to further advancements in electric mobility.” KBS has also placed an order for an additional 25 electric buses, with delivery anticipated in the coming months. Samuel Kamunya, Head of Business Development at BasiGo, emphasized the environmental benefits of the new electric buses, noting that each vehicle reduces carbon emissions by 50 tonnes annually. Kamunya welcomed KBS into the e-mobility sector and highlighted BasiGo’s goal to deliver 100 locally assembled electric buses by 2024, contributing to a greener Nairobi and supporting the fight against climate change. BasiGo’s electric buses have already driven over 2 million kilometers and transported more than 3 million passengers since their introduction in March 2022. With over 500 orders from Nairobi bus operators and plans to deliver over 1,000 electric buses in the next three years, BasiGo is set to create over 300 green manufacturing jobs and significantly advance Kenya’s mass transit sector. #ElectricBuses #E-Mobility #SustainableTransport #GreenTechnology #KenyaBusService #BasiGo #CleanEnergy #PublicTransport #ClimateAction

#EV manufacturing shows signs of promise in #Africa In a factory outside #Kigali, dozens of workers are putting the finishing touches to electric motorcycles that will soon take to the streets of the Rwandan capital. The bikes, built by startup Ampersand Energy, are destined mainly for motorcycle taxi operators and delivery drivers, who can make significant savings by using battery-powered vehicles rather than paying for petrol or diesel. Alp Tilev, co-founder and chief technical offer at Ampersand, says that the company wants to carry out as much manufacturing “as feasibly possible” in Rwanda. “We’re creating an ecosystem here – and you just can’t create an ecosystem if everything is just being brought in and sold,” he says. “The value chain needs to develop locally if we are to stay ahead.” Ampersand is one of several companies seeking to kickstart the nascent market for #ElectricVehicles in Africa. Production volumes remain small – electric two-wheelers are beginning to take-off in only a few parts of the continent, including Kigali and #Nairobi. #ElectricBuses are also being deployed in several cities, though a significant market for four-wheel cars is widely thought to remain several years away. Electric vehicles (#EVs) are often promoted for their environmental benefits, given that they cut carbon emissions and other forms of air pollution from exhaust fumes. The financial gains for some types of road user can also be considerable in the right circumstances. And in a November 2022 report, the Energy for Growth Hub think-tank emphasised an often-overlooked benefit for #Africa: the potential to create jobs through EV production. Read more https://lnkd.in/ewbXcGxk

ElectriFI, an EU-funded initiative managed by EDFI Management Company, has announced a US$1.6 million investment in GOGO Electric, an e-mobility pioneer in Uganda. This marks ElectriFI's debut in the e-mobility space, underscoring its commitment to transformative solutions that address climate challenges and drive economic growth in developing nations. Founded in 2017, GOGO Electric operates across the e-mobility value chain, including local battery and electric motorcycle assembly and a pioneering battery swapping network. They are establishing Africa’s first semi-automated Lithium-Ion battery factory with a potential annual capacity of 60,000 batteries, aiming for self-sufficiency and reduced reliance on external suppliers. Recognizing the vital role of motorcycle taxis (boda bodas) in Ugandan transportation, GOGO Electric offers a clean alternative with their electric motorcycles and a convenient battery-swapping network, eliminating range anxiety for drivers. “We are grateful for ElectriFI's support,” said Jakob Hornbach, founder and CEO of GOGO Electric. “This investment validates our vision to revolutionize Uganda’s transportation sector with sustainable e-mobility solutions. With this backing, we are set to accelerate our mission and mainstream electric motorcycles across Uganda.” ElectriFI’s investment will catalyze increased battery assembly and faster distribution of electric motorcycles and battery swapping services, creating local jobs and contributing to Uganda’s development. This partnership between EDFI Management Company and GOGO Electric promotes sustainable e-mobility solutions, paving the way for a cleaner and more prosperous future for Uganda. #ElectriFI #EMobility #SustainableTransport #ClimateAction #CleanEnergy #Africa #GreenEconomy #ElectricVehicles #EDFI #GOGOElectric #Uganda #Innovation #Investment #GreenFuture #SDGs #RenewableEnergy #EnvironmentalSustainability #Hakunamatatamedia