TechPression

Tag: electric

  • Kenya, Ghana startups to launch electric motorcycles

    Kenya, Ghana startups to launch electric motorcycles

    A new electric motorcycle venture has been launched in Kenya, thanks to a partnership between Kofa, a Ghanaian energy storage company, and Autopax, a Kenyan assembly and distribution company. 

    The venture aims to provide sustainable and affordable transportation solutions for the African market, especially for boda-boda services, corporate fleets, and personal use.

    The partnership was formalized at a signing ceremony held at Autopax’s headquarters in Nairobi, where the electric motorcycle model was showcased. The model, which has been designed and tested in Kenya and Ghana, is adapted to the challenging conditions and diverse needs of the African market. The model features a durable and efficient design, a battery swap system, and a contactless payment option.

    The partnership aligns with the Government Green Transport Initiative, launched by President William Ruto, which seeks to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change in Kenya. The partnership also demonstrates the commitment of Kenya and Ghana to lead the way in developing sustainable mobility solutions for Africa.

    Read also: Ampersand secures $19.5m, to expand electric motorcycle fleet 

    A battery swap network for reliable power

    One of the key features of the electric motorcycle venture is the battery swap network, which will be established by Kofa, a Ghanaian company that specializes in energy storage solutions. The battery swap network will allow customers to exchange their depleted batteries for fully charged ones at designated stations without having to wait for charging or plug in their motorcycles.

    Erik Nygard, CEO of Kofa, said that the battery swap network will revolutionize the electric vehicle landscape in Kenya by providing reliable and accessible power for motorcycles. He said that the battery swap network will also create jobs and income opportunities for local entrepreneurs, who will operate and maintain the stations.

    A local assembly and distribution network for accessibility and support

    Another key feature of the electric motorcycle venture is the local assembly and distribution network, which will be overseen by Autopax, a Kenyan company that provides assembly and distribution services for various products. Autopax will be responsible for assembling the motorcycles and producing local components in compliance with the Kenyan localization regulations. Autopax will also develop a robust distribution network that will cover Kenya and the wider East and Central Africa region, ensuring that the motorcycles are widely available and supported.

    Joy Kalua, CEO of Autopax, said that the partnership with Kofa is a significant step towards sustainable transportation and innovation in Kenya. She said that the partnership will cater to the specific requirements of Kenyan enterprises and visionaries who need eco-friendly and economical transportation options.

    A milestone for sustainable development and eco-friendly transportation

    The launch of the electric motorcycle venture is a milestone for sustainable development and eco-friendly transportation in Kenya and Africa. The venture will provide a strong solution that addresses environmental issues and offers feasible, economical, and dependable transportation choices for the evolving market. The venture will also empower the aspirations of the African community by creating jobs, income, and skills for the local population.

    With this visionary partnership, Kofa and Autopax are creating a brighter and more secure future for Kenya’s and Africa’s digital economy and its people.

  • Ampersand secures $19.5m, to expand electric motorcycle fleet 

    Ampersand secures $19.5m, to expand electric motorcycle fleet 

    Ampersand, a Rwandan-based electric transport energy company, has secured $19.5m in funding to expand its e-motorcycle fleet and battery swapping network in Kenya and Rwanda. 

    The company, which was founded in 2016, claims to be the largest electric motorcycle company in Africa, with over 1,000 e-motorcycles on the roads of both countries.

    The funding round, which was announced last month, was led by Ecosystem Integrity Fund, a US-based impact investment fund, and joined by other investors, including the EU’s ElectriFI programme and Factor[e] Ventures. The funding will enable Ampersand to scale up its operations and reach more customers, especially motorcycle taxi drivers, who are the main users of its service.

    Read also: Fez Delivery now delivers electric bikes, motorcycles in Nigeria

    A cheaper and cleaner alternative to petrol bikes

    Ampersand’s business model is based on providing e-motorcycles and smart batteries to drivers, who can swap their batteries at any of the company’s swap stations across the two countries. The company says that its service is cheaper and cleaner than using petrol bikes, as it saves drivers up to 40% on fuel costs and reduces carbon emissions by nearly 8,000 tons.

    According to Ampersand, its e-motorcycles can travel up to 75 km on a single charge, and have a top speed of 85 km/h. The batteries can be swapped in less than two minutes, which is faster than refuelling. The company also offers financing options to drivers who want to own their e-motorcycles.

    Ampersand’s CEO, Josh Whale, said that the company’s vision is to create a world where motorcycle transport is more profitable and sustainable for its consumers than ever before. “Going electric will double a driver’s income now, and leapfrog Africa towards a zero carbon future,” he said.

    Ampersand, a growing market for electric mobility in Africa

    Ampersand is not the only player in the electric mobility market in Africa, which is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for transport, the rising cost of fuel, and the need to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

    Other companies, such as Opibus, Asobo, and Ecobodaa, are also offering e-motorcycle solutions in Kenya, while Zembo and Bodawerk are operating in Uganda. In addition, there are several initiatives to promote electric buses, cars, and bicycles in various African countries.

    However, Ampersand believes that it has a competitive edge over its rivals, thanks to its world-class R&D, extensive testing, and customer-centric approach. The company also plans to expand to other markets in the region, such as Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Uganda, in the near future.

    Ampersand’s success story is an example of how innovation and investment can help accelerate the transition to low-carbon transport in Africa, and create green jobs and economic opportunities for millions of people.

    Uber unveils “Electric Boda” in Kenya as future e-hailing

    Impact of electric motorcycles on air pollution

    Since electric motorcycles don’t produce any greenhouse gases or smog-causing tailpipe emissions, they can help reduce air pollution. A University of Michigan study found that electrifying motorbike taxis in Kampala, Uganda, can lower emissions of some local and global air pollutants, potentially improving local and worldwide sustainability. 

    According to a different study conducted by Claremont McKenna College, if 90% of electric motorcycles are battery-powered by 2030, carbon emissions will have significantly decreased by 11 billion tons between now and 2050. In addition to reducing fuel expenses, electric motorcycles can enhance riders’ income and well-being. For this reason, electric motorcycles may offer an effective low-carbon transportation option in Africa and other areas.