Overview:
Electric engines are gaining traction in the country with the scaling up of investments in electric commuter buses and motorcycles as well as associated infrastructure such as charging points in a move aimed at achieving green transportation.
South African-based green technology company, Agilitee is set to launch its subsidiary in the East African market this month as it looks towards powering Africa’s drive towards the transition from fuel-powered vehicles to electric vehicles.
The pioneering company in the climate resilience transition is seeking to foster cost-effectiveness in the mobility sector, addressing some of the challenges that the sector is facing currently.
Dr. Mandla Lamba, the firm’s Chief Executive Officer revealed that the company will be investing 250 million dollars in its Nairobi-based subsidiary – Agilitee East Africa.
“We are planning to officially launch our operations in Kenya in February this year. At the moment we are marketing our products and the response is very positive,” said Dr Lamba.
In a notice published this week, the firm said it has been granted a certificate to operate in Kenya. The Nairobi subsidiary offices will also be its headquarters for East Africa.
Dr Lamba also pointed out that “East Africa is like the rest of the world headed to using electric cars and motorbikes to curb environmental pollution from petroleum fuels and one company is at the forefront of driving the change. Electric cars are already on some East African Roads especially in Kenya and the infrastructure to support them is gradually building up.”
It has also set up a base in West Africa with its headquarters in Nigeria.
In Zimbabwe, there are plans to establish an assembly plant for cars, electric motorcycles, and scooters.
“We intend to penetrate all parts of Africa. We will in the long run set up assembly plants in some countries,” said Lamba.
He added: “Most African governments have not entirely adopted the use of electric vehicles but we will educate our people on their benefits.”
Lamba said that even in South Africa, there were people who still do not believe it is possible to drive a car without using petrol.
“We are optimistic because the market is there. Kenya is one of the countries at the forefront in the campaign for clean energy and therein lies the market,” he said.
East African is one of the biggest markets for second-hand vehicles imported mainly from Japan and which have been blamed for emitting higher levels of carbon dioxide.
Lamba added that their technology can reduce emissions that contribute to climate change and smog, improve public health and reduce ecological damage.
Electric engines are gaining traction in the country with the scaling up of investments in electric commuter buses and motorcycles as well as associated infrastructure such as charging points in a move aimed at achieving green transportation.