Electric buses are slowly becoming a key feature of Nairobi’s public transport system, with two companies—Roam Motors and BasiGo—leading the charge. These companies are striving to replace diesel-powered buses with electric alternatives to reduce emissions, cut operational costs, and reduce dependency on imported fuels.Kenya’s approach contrasts with the UK’s push for private electric vehicle ownership. While the UK government is heavily funding charging infrastructure and incentivizing private electric vehicle ownership, Kenya is focusing on electrifying public transport, particularly buses. This strategy makes electric mobility more accessible to the majority of the population, as many Kenyans rely on public transportation to commute daily.
The Benefits of Electric Buses
Both companies emphasize the environmental and economic advantages of electric buses. According to Jit Bhattacharya, CEO of BasiGo, one electric bus can save approximately 20,000 liters of imported diesel fuel annually, replacing it with 50 MWh of locally-produced renewable electricity. This transition not only reduces air pollution but also cuts CO2 emissions by up to 50 tonnes each year.Electric buses also contribute to quieter streets and lower operational costs. Albin Wilson of Roam Motors highlights that electric buses reduce maintenance expenses by up to 76% and offer a smoother, more sustainable ride with less environmental impact.
Why Start with Public Transport?
Despite the growing interest in electric vehicles (EVs), high upfront costs remain a significant barrier. Electric vehicles typically carry a hefty price tag, which makes private ownership less feasible for the average Kenyan. Bhattacharya explains that the mass market for EVs lies in public transportation, where the Pay-As-You-Drive model by BasiGo offers an affordable solution. This model allows bus owners to pay for the bus in installments while benefiting from free charging and maintenance at BasiGo’s stations.Kenya’s government has backed the shift toward electric public transport, seeing it as an opportunity to cut transportation costs, reduce pollution, and create sustainable, affordable mobility options.
The Road Ahead
As of now, both BasiGo and Roam Motors have limited fleets on Nairobi’s roads, with BasiGo operating 17 electric buses. Roam Motors, meanwhile, offers the Roam Rapid, which is designed for bus rapid transit systems and accommodates up to 77 passengers, compared to BasiGo’s 25-seat buses. However, only one Roam Rapid bus currently operates in Nairobi, with plans for expansion contingent on the development of BRT infrastructure.Although these numbers are modest compared to the hundreds of diesel buses run by private operators, the introduction of electric buses marks an important first step in transforming Kenya’s transport sector. The future looks bright as both companies plan to expand their operations and offer more affordable options for local bus operators.
Cost and Accessibility
For Nairobi’s bus operators, purchasing an electric bus through the Pay-As-You-Drive model could be more feasible than outright buying a traditional diesel bus. The cost of a K6 electric bus from BasiGo is KES 5 million (roughly $35,600), and bus operators pay a per-kilometer fee for the battery. Roam Motors offers its buses through a business-to-business model, providing device financing for larger bus operators along with charging and maintenance services.Despite the higher initial costs, electric buses offer significant long-term savings. Passengers will continue paying the same fare as they would on traditional diesel buses, making the switch to electric buses not only environmentally sound but also economically viable for operators.
In conclusion, while there are still challenges ahead—like high initial costs and limited fleet numbers—the gradual introduction of electric buses in Nairobi’s transport system is a step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
