Summary
- Kenya has over 2 million internal combustion engine motorcycles, making it a key market for electrification
- Over 30 startups are targeting the electrification of the motorcycle sector in Kenya
- In 2023, 3.6% of motorcycles sold in Kenya were electric, a significant increase from previous years
- More electric motorcycles are being added each week, with a potential of 4.5% of motorcycles registered in 2024 being electric
- Challenges include higher upfront costs for electric motorcycles and limited battery swapping stations outside of Nairobi.
Article
The motorcycle sector in Kenya presents a large market for electrification, with over 2 million internal combustion engine motorcycles in the country. These motorcycles are mainly used as public transport vehicles, known as boda bodas, and transitioning to electric could save owners money on fuel and maintenance costs. Over 30 startups have emerged in Kenya looking to tap into the electrification of this industry, with electric motorcycles accounting for almost 4% of total motorcycle registrations in 2023. Companies like Arc Ride, Ampersand, Roam, and Spiro are scaling up and deploying battery charging and swapping stations around Nairobi to cater to the growing fleet of electric motorcycles on the roads.
2024 is projected to be a better year for electric motorcycles in Kenya, with an increasing number of electric motorcycles on the streets, and more battery swapping stations being deployed to meet the rising demand. It is estimated that over 100 electric motorcycles are being added per week, indicating a growing trend towards electric mobility in the country. Despite the higher upfront cost of electric motorcycles compared to fossil fuel equivalents, riders using electric motorcycles have reported positive experiences and satisfaction with their vehicles. However, some have expressed concerns about the limited availability of battery swap stations outside of Nairobi, hindering their ability to use electric motorcycles in other parts of the country.
In addition to electric motorcycles, the electric vehicle landscape in Kenya is evolving, with an increasing number of Neta V electric cars serving as taxis in Nairobi. Moja EV aims to deliver 500 vehicles by the middle of next year, leased to taxi drivers to enhance their profitability and financial stability. The adoption of electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and plug-in hybrids like the Mitsubishi Outlander is also gaining popularity, with charging stations like EVChaja seeing increased utilization across major towns and cities in Kenya.
While the number of electric motorcycles and cars in Kenya is still lower compared to other countries, there are signs of real growth in the adoption of electric vehicles. As more companies scale up their operations and deploy infrastructure like battery swapping stations, the electric mobility sector in Kenya is poised for further growth. Exciting times lie ahead for the electrification of transportation in the country as more riders and drivers experience the benefits of electric vehicles in terms of cost savings and environmental impact.
Overall, the transition to electric mobility in Kenya is gaining momentum, with an increasing number of electric motorcycles and cars on the roads. The growing presence of startups and companies in the electric vehicle sector, coupled with the deployment of charging infrastructure, signifies a shift towards sustainable transportation solutions in the country. Despite some challenges such as higher upfront costs and limited infrastructure in certain areas, the positive experiences of riders and drivers using electric vehicles highlight the potential for a cleaner, more efficient transportation system in Kenya.
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