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In Nairobi, motorcyclists are moving to electric as there are new charging points throughout the capital.
More charging stations and lower running costs are making it easier to replace polluting petrol cars.
Vehicles are gaining momentum as electric mobility companies establish ways to charge batteries. Recharging reduces our carbon footprint, which is essential in fighting climate change.
Ampersand is an e-mobility startup that launched operations in Kenya in May 2022. In the capital he has seven battery exchange stations and about 60 customers.
Ampersand’s expansion lead, Ian Mbote, says this form of transportation saves money.
“Electric cars are cheaper. Savings are less than 45%. To be exact, fuel today is around 180 shillings per liter. Our batteries cost 185 to replace a full battery. It costs about 90 to 110 kilometers.With that 180 shillings of fuel you can do about 30 to 40 kilometers on a motorcycle,” he explains.
By 2022, we have sold 44 electric vehicles in Kenya. The company aims to sell 500 units this year.
But Mbote said the government needs to make it easier to do business.
“We need more industry-friendly policies, and regulation would be beneficial if taxes and tariffs could encourage or incentivize the entry of electric mobility players, especially two-wheelers, into the market,” he said. .
Consumers are hesitant about switching from petrol to electricity. But those who have taken the big step say they are realizing the benefits.
“Maintenance is low cost because you don’t have to spend every month on oil changes or engine checks. No, it’s very minimal,” says motorcyclist Cyrus Kariuki.
Ecobodaa Mobility is another electric mobility company that manufactures, designs and assembles motorcycles.
Their bikes can carry two batteries with a range of 160km.
This reduces so-called “range anxiety,” where drivers fear they will run out of fuel before they find a charging point.
“For the Kenyan market, electric mobility is the future given that over 90% of our power connections are from renewable sources. Ecobodaa Mobility founder and CEO Kim Chepkoit said:
The company was founded in 2020 and plans to move from the pilot stage to commercial deployment of electric motorcycles this year.
Convincing drivers to move to electric vehicles is difficult, but most predict great things will happen for the industry in the years to come.
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