In recent years, Kenya has been making significant strides in adopting sustainable transport solutions that help mitigate environmental pollution and reduce the country’s carbon footprint. E-mobility and hybrid technology have been at the forefront of this shift, as more and more Kenyans embrace cleaner, more efficient modes of transportation. The greater driving force is fuel efficiency of course.
Owing to the fact that as a country we highly rely on imported oil, we are a prime candidate for e-mobility and hybrid adoption. This is also supported by our abundant renewable energy resources. In recent years, the country has been making significant investments in renewable energy, including wind, solar, and geothermal power. This is with the aim of reducing the cost of electricity to attract more Kenyans to switch to electric vehicles.
Different industry players have started investing heavily in E-mobility with the likes of BasiGo taking a steady lead in public service vehicles. We have also seen the entrance of an electric scooter-sharing platform, Kobo360 which was launched in 2019, and it provides a low-cost, eco-friendly transportation solution for Kenyans. Hybrid technology has also gained traction in Kenya, as such, it is safe to conclude that we are slowly outfacing the traditional ICE vehicles.
Despite the many benefits of e-mobility and hybrid technology, there are still some challenges to their adoption in Kenya. One of the most significant obstacles is the high cost of EVs and hybrid vehicles, which can be prohibitively expensive for many Kenyans. Additionally, the lack of charging infrastructure is a major issue, as many Kenyans do not have access to charging stations.
So far, the country only has six charging stations all of which are within Nairobi town. Finally, there is limited knowledge on the care of these vehicles and therefore it can be very frustrating to own one if you don’t have a reliable mechanic. The said challenges can be overcome if the Kenyan government and private sector stakeholders work together to create a supportive environment for e-mobility and hybrid adoption.
Way Forward on Hybrid and e-mobility Adoption
In conclusion, e-mobility and hybrid technology have the potential to transform the way Kenyans move around their cities and towns. While there are still challenges to their adoption, the country has already made significant progress in embracing these cleaner, more efficient modes of transportation. With continued investment and support from the government and private sector, Kenya can lead the way in sustainable transport solutions for the African continent and beyond.
I am Nyambura The Motorist
I have a bias for Hybrids
An insurance expert
