What’s e-mobility?

Electromobility, or e-mobility, refers to the use of electric-powered technologies connected to communication and in-vehicle communication that is vital to enabling the electric propulsion of fleets and vehicles. Various technologies that apply e-mobility range from personal vehicles to buses and even motorcycles. The need for e-mobility emerges from addressing toxic emissions, fuel efficiency, and market demand. 

E-mobility in Kenya

Electric mobility provides Kenyans with an exemplary opportunity for reducing transportation emissions and improving air quality. Conversely, the uptake of electric mobility within the country remains modest. Therefore, there is minimal engagement between policymakers and other key players regarding this particular issue fueling the conversation regarding creating an environment that facilitates technological advancement.

The innovative Transport Climate Strategies (TraCS) project and various partners played an instrumental role in organizing various events in Kenya regarding the current State of electric mobility in Kenya, urban and rural applications of electric mobility, and Kenya’s energy supply. The events organized in Kenya illustrate that the electric mobility space in Kenya is continually gaining traction, and numerous players are entering the e-mobility space driving the transition.

The most significant focus of e-mobility in Kenya has been the focus on electric two-wheelers, mainly driven by private companies having minimal government involvement. However, the Kenyan government intended to electrify the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors within the country, establishing plans to address the regulatory hurdles. There has been an enhanced interest by both the government and the private sector.

Application of e-mobility in Kenya

Electric mobility is gaining traction in Kenya, and as it gains traction, it provides numerous applications for both rural and urban applications within the country. For instance, Siemens has partnered with GIZ to implement an electric mobility pilot for rural areas in Western Kenya. The Siemens project seeks to generate empirical data on various forms of e-mobility suitable for a rural setting. The project sought to assess E-motorcycles, E-Cargo Bikes, E-boats, and E-trucks. Another player in the industry is Knights Energy, which sought to provide ownership and the operations of the electric vehicle within the Kenyan context. On the other hand, Wetu refers to a social enterprise that provides e-mobility vehicles and charging infrastructure to various business models in rural Kenya.

Benefits of e-mobility to the Kenyan Market There are numerous benefits to e-mobility, including improved air quality, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and enhanced economic outcomes by creating value among local chains. Additionally, the uptake of electric motorcycles in the country has attracted more than ten companies developing electric mobility products. The Kenya Bureau of Standards has established a reduction in excise duty from 20 percent to 10 percent.

Current State of Energy for e-mobility in Kenya 

Energy supply is a crucial aspect of e-mobility; therefore, it is important to consider the country’s grid capabilities and enhance support of increased uptake concerning electric mobility. The reserve capacity for Kenya is more than 800 Megawatts, which can easily support increases in the uptake of electric mobility. Moreover, more than 70 percent of Kenya’s energy is renewable energy.

E-mobility and Green Energy

E-mobility and Green energy are closely interlinked; the shift to e-mobility is gradually taking place on the continent as more and more startups initiate app-based mobility services, including motorcycles and tuk-tuks. As more and more organization initiatives focus on e-mobility, Africa can lead the initiative in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving the quality of life for individuals. E-mobility allows Africans to move from the combustion engine-based technology and switch to electric mobility. 

E-mobility allows countries to reduce dependence on petroleum fuels, thus ensuring energy security, reducing air pollutants, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Kenya alone has a large public transport fleet, and the rapidly growing fleet of boda-boda (motorcycle taxis) means more fuel consumption. Consequently, using electric mobility for electric motorcycles and three-wheeled vehicles decentralizes the power generation process using off-grid solar applications.

A battery powering an electric motorcycle can cover approximately 100 km and 120 km with a capacity of 4 to 6 kilowatt-hours. Solar power is readily available to users as a solar panel with a 150-watt nameplate costs about 100 USD. Only two or three panels are required daily to charge an e-motorcycle battery. Alternatively, mini-grid applications could be instrumental in ensuring electric motorcycles can access their daily electricity demand locally. Concerning solar mini-grid, operators would run a battery swapping system where electric motorcycle drivers rent out charged batteries and change them once they have been depleted. For the swapping station system, the motorcycle without the battery belongs to the driver, and the battery remains the property of the swapping system operator.

Uniquely, electric mobility provides great development opportunities for African countries as it has the potential to support the creation of “Green Jobs,” such as the assembly and manufacture of vehicles in various sub-Saharan African countries. These green technologies are suitable for Africa as electric mobility interventions tend to be less complex than combustion engine-based components except for Lithium-ion batteries. For lithium-ion batteries, the major components can be manufactured using semi-industrial processes, thus representing a crucial opportunity to harness a significant value chain within Africa.