Summary
- CleanTechnica covers updates on EV developments in Africa, particularly in the electric bus sector
- BasiGo is a key player in bringing electric bus services to sub-Saharan Africa with innovative financing models
- BasiGo’s fleet of electric buses has avoided significant CO2 emissions and diesel usage, showcasing the potential impact of electric buses in Africa
- Africa faces challenges in transportation with low motorization rates and inefficient public transport systems
- BasiGo plans to expand its electric bus fleet to over 1,000 buses by 2026, aiming to revolutionize sustainable mobility in Africa.
Article
BasiGo, an electric vehicle technology and financing company based in Nairobi, Kenya, is making significant strides in the electric bus sector in sub-Saharan Africa. The company offers state-of-the-art electric buses, along with charging and maintenance services for city bus operators. Through an innovative financing model called “Pay-as-you-Drive,” BasiGo makes electric buses more affordable for operators. In early 2022, BasiGo began pilot testing electric buses in Nairobi and has since deployed 28 electric buses in Kenya in collaboration with various bus operators. This move is helping to reduce CO2 emissions and diesel consumption, contributing to a more sustainable transportation sector.
BasiGo’s electric bus fleet in Kenya has already driven over 2 million kilometers, leading to the avoidance of 937.2 tonnes of CO2 emissions and 409,842 liters of diesel. The success of these electric buses highlights the potential for electric vehicles to address transport challenges faced by commuters across Africa. With low motorization rates in many countries, a shift towards electric buses could provide a more efficient and sustainable public transport system. BasiGo aims to have over 100 buses on the road by the end of the year and plans to have over 1,000 electric buses operating by the end of 2026. The company also started a pilot fleet of electric buses in Rwanda, further demonstrating the scalability of this technology.
The public transport sector in Africa faces several challenges, including limited access to efficient transport services and high levels of CO2 emissions from diesel-powered buses. BasiGo estimates that over 1 million internal combustion engine buses operate in Africa, emitting 1 gigatonne of CO2 annually. By introducing electric buses powered by renewable energy sources, the continent could reduce its dependence on imported fuels and lower operational costs associated with diesel buses. With Africa’s growing population and economy, a transition to sustainable mobility solutions is becoming increasingly important.
Electric buses have the potential to transform the public transport sector in Africa by providing a cleaner and more efficient mode of transportation. BasiGo’s results in Kenya showcase the positive impact that electric buses can have on reducing emissions and improving the overall transport experience for commuters. As the company aims to scale up its operations and deploy more electric buses across the continent, there is hope for a more sustainable future in the transportation sector. By leveraging renewable energy sources, Africa can not only reduce its carbon footprint but also create a more cost-effective and reliable public transport system for its citizens.
BasiGo’s innovative financing model, Pay-as-you-Drive, is a key element in making electric buses more accessible to operators in Africa. By offering affordable electric buses, charging infrastructure, and maintenance services, BasiGo is paving the way for a sustainable electric mobility ecosystem on the continent. The company’s commitment to deploying more electric buses and reducing emissions demonstrates the potential for electric vehicles to play a significant role in addressing transportation challenges in Africa. With a focus on scalability and impact, BasiGo is leading the way towards a cleaner and more efficient public transport system in the region.
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