Summary
- Three-wheelers are an important part of East African public transport and there is a growing trend towards electrification in countries like Tanzania and Kenya
- Public charging networks are crucial for the adoption of electric 3-wheelers on a larger scale
- Dar es Salaam in Tanzania is installing charging stations for 3-wheelers at bus rapid transit stations to provide seamless last-mile services
- Car & General, a large player in Kenya’s electric 3-wheeler sector, has partnered with CHAJI to deploy 30 charging stations in Mombasa to facilitate charging of electric 3-wheelers
- The transition to electric 3-wheelers in Kenya will help reduce emissions and noise pollution, with the entry of companies like Car & General and infrastructure providers like CHAJI supporting this shift.
Article
The electrification of three-wheelers, also known as tuk tuks, is gaining momentum in East Africa, particularly in Tanzania and Kenya. Various startups and established companies are beginning to offer electric versions of popular three-wheeler models. However, for public transport operators in this sector to adopt electric vehicles at scale, a widespread public charging network will be essential. Positive developments in public charging infrastructure are emerging, such as the installation of charging stations for three-wheelers at bus rapid transit (BRT) stations in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This will enable electric three-wheeler operations to provide last-mile services around the city, complementing the existing BRT services.
In Kenya, Car & General has partnered with CHAJI to deploy 30 charging stations in Mombasa to facilitate the seamless charging of electric three-wheelers in the city. This initiative aims to revolutionize the approach to transportation by introducing cleaner and more sustainable options. CHAJI’s smart socket charging solution is designed to match the quick charging capabilities of the electric three-wheelers, minimizing downtime and enhancing the appeal of electric vehicles for commercial and passenger use. This partnership is instrumental in promoting the viability of electric three-wheelers as a practical alternative to traditional fuel-based transport, while also addressing the challenge of charging infrastructure.
The coastal region of Kenya, including cities like Mombasa and towns like Malindi and Diani, relies heavily on three-wheelers for transportation. With around 15,000 passenger three-wheeler units operating in Mombasa alone, there is a significant opportunity to transition these vehicles from internal combustion engines to electric power. The partnership between Car & General and CHAJI, along with the rollout of charging infrastructure, will play a crucial role in catalyzing the adoption of electric vehicles in Kenya. By accelerating the transition to electric three-wheelers, emissions and noise pollution from traditional internal combustion engine vehicles can be significantly reduced.
The entry of large players like Car & General into Kenya’s electric three-wheeler sector signals a positive shift towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation options. The collaboration between industry stakeholders to deploy charging infrastructure in key cities like Mombasa demonstrates a commitment to creating an enabling environment for the adoption of electric vehicles. As more charging stations are established and electric three-wheeler models become more widely available, the transition to cleaner and greener transport solutions is expected to gain momentum in Kenya and other parts of East Africa.
Overall, the electrification of three-wheelers in East Africa represents a significant step towards reducing emissions, improving air quality, and promoting sustainable transportation in the region. With the support of innovative solutions such as smart charging infrastructure and partnerships between industry players, the transition to electric three-wheelers is becoming more feasible and attractive for public transport operators and passengers. By leveraging the growing interest in electric vehicles and the development of charging networks, East African countries like Tanzania and Kenya are poised to lead the way in embracing cleaner and more sustainable modes of transportation.
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