Nairobi, Kenya (Commonwealth Union)_Kenya is getting its private sector to lead the way for cleaner transportation, adding traction to its fresher air, lower emissions, and cleaner country plans. Electric motorcycles are already whizzing on the roads with private sector companies speeding up the new e-trend by adding charging points and battery-swapping stations.
Traffic in Nairobi is horrendous and for the most part, the amount of fuel utilized is significantly high considering the idle time spent in traffic. Electric motorcycles will add economic benefits to the country and individuals by reducing fuel bills. But more than the quantitative amount, young men like Cyrus Kariuki want to create a cleaner world, and whizzing about on his electric motorcycle also means he has cheaper transport, and cleaner air and is instigating climate response by reducing the use of fossil fuels. As a rider, he also won’t have the additional burden of oil changes, engine checks, and other maintenance costs.
African-based electric mobility company Ampersand currently has a network of seven battery-swapping stations spread across Nairobi. With just sixty customers in its portfolio one year since it began operations, the uptake has been slow but can be accelerated if government policies, taxation, better regulations, and incentives will help clear the way for more people to opt for the cleaner air solution. Plans are to sell more than 500 electric motorcycles by the end of 2023.
The battery-swap system is economical and time-saving, eliminating the need for several hours of charging. With batteries costing USD 1.48 for a full battery swap and mobility of about 110 kilometers compared to USD 1.44 per liter of fuel guaranteeing only a 30-kilometer ride on a motorcycle. The numbers for electric motorbikes, therefore, are very favorable. Electricity costs are also more predictable than fossil fuel prices as these are not cushioned against inflation and price fluctuations.  Another product on the market is a motorcycle with two batteries by Ecobadaa, which covers 160 kilometers on one battery charge.
Kenya is keen on promoting cleaner transport initiatives with a framework included in the Sustainable Energy for Africa program running a hub for 30 solar-powered charging stations for electric vehicles and battery-swapping in Kenya’s western region. However, the private sector is jumping in to tick the box of the People.Planet.Profit ethos and electric mobility require infrastructural, societal, and political systemic changes, which may take much longer than anticipated. Governments have to buy into the plan, rethink how they deliver the current electricity services, and establish measures on e-waste and disposal. Â
Cleaner air is a priority in this plan given that over a million premature deaths are recorded annually from air pollution and by reducing short-lived climate pollutants, temperatures can be reduced by as much as 0.6 degrees Celcius and premature deaths avoided or at least curtailed.
