Established in 2021 in Nairobi, BasiGo aims to create the future of clean, electric public transit in Africa. The company leases electric buses to local bus owners, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel-powered vehicles. Initially importing fully or partially assembled electric buses from BYD Auto, BasiGo has, since 2023, partnered with Associated Vehicle Assemblers to fully assemble imported parts in Kenya, fostering local manufacturing capabilities.
Wikipedia
BasiGo's fleet includes the BYD K6 model electric buses, each with 25 seats, and the E9 Kubwa buses, accommodating 36 passengers. These buses have been integrated into the operations of several local bus companies, including Citi Hoppa, East Shuttle, OMA Services, Embassava, Super Metro, and Metro Trans, serving various routes across Nairobi.
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Innovative Business Model and Expansion
To address the financial barriers associated with the adoption of electric vehicles, BasiGo employs a Pay-As-You-Drive model. This approach allows bus operators to purchase buses without batteries at a reduced cost, subsequently leasing the batteries from BasiGo and paying a fee per kilometer driven. Alternatively, operators can lease the entire bus by paying an upfront deposit and covering the remaining cost through operational revenue.
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Demonstrating its commitment to sustainable infrastructure, BasiGo unveiled Nairobi's first public electric bus charging station in Buruburu in May 2023. This facility, capable of charging up to six buses simultaneously, complements their existing private charging stations in Embakasi and Kikuyu. Notably, these stations rely on Kenya's national energy grid, which sources up to 100% of its energy from renewable sources at night, ensuring that the buses are charged sustainably.
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Expanding its vision beyond Kenya, BasiGo signed letters of intent in July 2023 with Rwandan bus operators, including Royal Express, Volcano Express, and Kigali Bus Service, to introduce electric buses in Rwanda. This strategic move signifies a broader commitment to revolutionizing public transportation across the African continent.
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The Broader Impact of E-Mobility Innovations in Africa
BasiGo's initiatives are part of a larger movement across Africa, where startups are leveraging e-mobility to address urban transportation challenges. For instance, Ecobodaa, a Kenyan e-mobility startup founded in 2020, has developed a network of 20 battery swap stations and a micro pay-as-you-go payment system for energy purchases, mitigating the high initial costs of battery acquisition.
The African Mirror
Similarly, Ampersand, based in Rwanda, focuses on electric motorcycles, providing affordable and sustainable transportation options for motorcycle taxi drivers. The company secured significant funding, including $7.5 million of new debt from the Africa Go Green Fund in December 2023, to expand its operations.
The African Mirror
These startups are not only reducing carbon emissions but also creating economic opportunities and fostering technological advancements within their communities. The adoption of electric vehicles contributes to cleaner air, decreased reliance on fossil fuels, and the development of local industries related to e-mobility infrastructure and maintenance.
Conclusion
The transformative impact of e-mobility innovations on urban mobility across Africa is undeniable. Companies like BasiGo are leading the charge, demonstrating that sustainable transportation solutions are viable and beneficial for urban centers. As these startups continue to grow and expand, they pave the way for a cleaner, more efficient, and economically prosperous future for African cities.
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