Summary
- Car & General launched a new dealership in Kitui, Kenya, with Salaba Holdings retailing Piaggio three-wheelers and TVS motorcycles
- Car & General is a leading distributor of tuk-tuks and motorcycles in Kenya, with a push towards electrification
- The company introduced electric three-wheelers in Nairobi and Mombasa, along with partnering to deploy charging stations in Mombasa
- Piaggio electric tuk-tuks on sale have driving ranges, speeds, battery specifications, and warranty details
- The expansion of Car & General’s reach to Kitui aims to catalyze adoption of electric three-wheelers, with a focus on reducing emissions and noise pollution.
Article
Car & General, a leading distributor of tuk-tuks and motorcycles in Kenya, recently launched a new dealership in Kitui, Kenya. The dealership, Salaba Holdings, will sell Piaggio three-wheelers and TVS motorcycles, as well as provide service and parts in the eastern region town. Car & General has been a pioneer of tuk-tuks and motorcycles as taxis in Kenya for over two decades, and is now focusing on promoting the electrification of these vehicles. In 2023, electric motorcycles held a 4% market share in new registrations, while electric tuk-tuks reached close to 1%.
Last year, Car & General launched their electric three-wheelers in Nairobi and Mombasa, aiming to contribute to a cleaner environment and lower operational costs. The company believes that e-mobility solutions can reduce emissions and combat climate change, leading them to promote the electric vehicle sector in Kenya. To facilitate the charging of electric three-wheelers in Mombasa, Car & General partnered with CHAJI to deploy 30 charging stations in the city. The smart socket charging solution provided by CHAJI allows for rapid and efficient charging of the electric vehicles, minimizing downtime.
The Piaggio electric tuk-tuks available in Kenya come in two versions: the Apé E-City FX Max for passengers and the Apé E-Xtra FX Max for cargo. Both vehicles have driving ranges of around 115-145 km on a single charge, with a top speed of 50 km/h. They are equipped with lithium-ion batteries, quick charging capabilities, and various other features to enhance the appeal of electric vehicles for commercial and passenger use. The launch of the new dealership in Kitui will help Car & General expand their reach and catalyze the adoption of electric three-wheelers in regions outside of Nairobi and Mombasa.
The presence of 3-wheelers in cities like Mombasa has been significant, with thousands of internal combustion engine vehicles serving as key transport modes in the region. The majority of 3-wheelers in Kenya are still ICE-powered, but the transition to electric vehicles could reduce emissions and noise pollution. With Car & General entering the electric three-wheeler sector and partners like CHAJI deploying charging infrastructure, the journey towards electric vehicle adoption in Kenya is gaining momentum. Expanding to locations like Kitui allows more people to experience and purchase electric vehicles.
The motorcycle and three-wheeler segment in Kenya has been a focus for electrification efforts, given the large number of ICE vehicles in use. Players in the sector are working to commercialize their products and business models, with hopes that 2025 will see significant traction in the market. Car & General’s distribution of Piaggio electric tuk-tuks in Kenya is a step towards expanding the accessibility of electric vehicles beyond major cities, allowing more individuals and businesses to transition to cleaner transport options. The growth of electric mobility companies in Kenya signals a positive shift towards a more sustainable transportation sector.
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