Kenya: Demand for electric motorcycles surges, new factory to be built in Nairobi
A strategic partnership to power electric motorcycles with solar energy
Last September, Ampersand partnered with CrossBoundary Energy to set up a network of solar-powered charging stations. The stations, strategically located in Nairobi, aim to facilitate the charging of electric motorcycles, meeting the growing demand for green mobility in the Kenyan capital.
Ampersand, Africa’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, announced on October 17 the opening of a new factory in Nairobi. With an area of 21,000 square meters, three times larger than their previous site, this factory will be able to assemble up to 60 electric motorcycles per day, or 1,440 motorcycles per month. Currently, the company has already put into service more than 1,100 electric motorcycles in Kenya, demonstrating the growing popularity of this mode of transport.
A sustainable vision for electric mobility in Africa
Ampersand CEO Josh Whale highlighted the importance of the new factory to the future of sustainable mobility in Africa. “Our new Nairobi factory is a major step forward in scale and impact, reflecting our commitment to delivering sustainable and affordable electric vehicle solutions that directly benefit users and the environment,” said Whale. With this increased capacity, Ampersand aims to support the electrification of commercial motorcycles in Africa, making their swappable battery model more reliable and accessible.
A national policy to support electric mobility
Kenya was one of the first African countries to establish a roadmap for the adoption of electric vehicles in 2020. President William Ruto has said that this transition is essential to reduce pollution and fuel costs. Government support for charging infrastructure and private initiatives, such as Ampersand, is a pillar of this national strategy.
Conclusion
Ampersand’s expansion and the growing demand for electric motorcycles show that Kenya is becoming a leader in electric mobility in Africa. With the support of private actors and national policies, the country is well positioned to address the environmental and economic challenges posed by traditional transport, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable mobility infrastructure.
