Electric Matatus hit Kenyan intercity roads: BasiGo initiates pioneering electric bus pilot project
Kenyan electric mobility startup, BasiGo, is making significant strides in decarbonising public transport with its trial of electric matatus on inter-city routes. The initiative, launched through a pilot programme, marks a notable step towards a greener future for public transport in Kenya.
The trial involves two public transport Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs): 4NTE SACCO, serving the Nyahururu to Nyeri and Nyahururu to Nakuru routes, and Manchester SACCO, catering to the Thika to Nairobi route.
Key aspects of the trial include BasiGo's innovative "Pay-As-You-Drive" lease model, which aims to reduce the upfront financial burden on traditional matatu operators transitioning to electric vehicles. The company also plans to assemble electric vans locally in Kenya, promoting job creation and skills development in the clean energy sector. Full after-sales support is provided to maintain the performance and reliability of the electric vehicles.
BasiGo's vision extends beyond the current trial, with plans to deploy over 1,000 electric vans nationwide, aligning with Kenya's broader climate goals and efforts to enhance inter-county public mobility. If the pilot programme is successful, BasiGo plans to scale up quickly, targeting more than 1,000 electric vans across Kenya in the next few years.
However, challenges remain in decarbonising public transport through this initiative. Financial constraints for operators, operational adaptation, infrastructure requirements, and market acceptance are critical hurdles that need to be addressed. Traditional matatu operators often have limited capital to invest in new electric vehicles, and gaining trust and acceptance from passengers and operators is crucial. Transitioning matatu fleets to electric vehicles requires adjustments in maintenance, driver training, and route planning due to differences in vehicle range and charging needs compared to diesel matatus. Reliable electric vehicle charging infrastructure along inter-city routes and depots is essential, though it is not explicitly detailed in the current sources.
Despite these challenges, BasiGo's trial shows promising advancement with strong partnerships within Kenya's matatu industry and government backing. The eventual success of this initiative could revolutionise public transport in Kenya, contributing significantly to the country's decarbonisation efforts.
Notably, BasiGo has installed charging stations in Thika and Nyahururu to support the trial. Each of the new vans will ply the Nyahururu-Nyeri, Nyahururu-Nakuru, and Thika-Nairobi routes, popular corridors outside the capital. The electric vans have a range of 300 kilometres on a single charge and take 90 minutes to recharge.
Wilfred Kimotho, chairman of 4NTE Sacco, called the partnership a "step into the future", adding that the sector can't afford to be left behind as the rest of the world transitions to cleaner energy. Moses Nderitu, BasiGo Managing Director, expressed delight at extending electric mobility beyond Nairobi and electrifying an iconic part of Kenya's history - the matatu.
In conclusion, BasiGo's trial of electric matatus on inter-city routes presents a significant step towards decarbonising public transport in Kenya. Overcoming financial, infrastructural, and operational challenges will be critical for large-scale decarbonisation of public transport.
- Collaboration within the Kenyan industry and government is essential for BasiGo's ambitious plan to deploy over 1,000 electric vans, aligning with the country's climate goals and enhancing inter-county public mobility.
- With each new electric van capable of traveling 300 kilometers on a single charge and charging stations installed in Thika and Nyahururu, BasiGo's trial of electric matatus on inter-city routes offers a promising advancement in environmental-science and technology, contributing significantly to the decarbonisation of public transport.
- The success of BasiGo's initiative could revolutionize the transport industry in Kenya, particularly through the adoption of technology that promotes job creation and skills development in the clean energy sector, such as the "Pay-As-You-Drive" lease model and local assembly of electric vans.
