The race to transition from gas-powered vehicles to electric replacements has received a shot in the arm today following the launch of four electric vehicles by energy producer, Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen).
During the announcement of this development, KenGen mentioned that it has rolled out an elaborate plan to lead Kenya’s transition from gasoline-powered vehicles to EVs as another way of combating climate change while solving transportation challenges in the country.
The vehicles are: two SUVs and two double-cabin pickups. The vehicles will primarily be used for data collection and policy development as the company prepares to install over 30 EV charging stations across the country in 2023.
KenGen says it has two EV charging stations in Nairobi and Naivasha and plans to install an additional three by end of 2023 in Murang’a, Embu, and Kisumu Counties within the company’s power plants.
The charging stations are not open to the public as they are being utilized for internal piloting and data collection before the commencement of commercial rollout.
KenGen adds that it will use the cost and environmental data from the four EVs to transition its fleet to EVs, further demonstrating KenGen’s role in elevating its position on attracting investment funds financing green initiatives.
Furthermore, the rollout will be used to develop a blueprint for the conversion of the company’s fleet from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) to electric vehicles as well as advice broader strategies on similar trends in the market by other players.
This will also enable the company to save on fuel and maintenance costs, thus creating value for shareholders.
Back in 2012, KenGen embarked on a diversification agenda.
The company reports it is already offering consultancy and geothermal drilling services in Ethiopia and Djibouti.
In the long run, the adoption of EVs will drive up power demand and is also envisioned to boost the Company’s revenues by way of selling more electricity to power transportation.
The Competition
Electricity provider Kenya Power has also announced plans to phase out gas-powered vehicles from its fleet for electric replacements.
KP has invested KES 40 million for the current FY to purchase three electric vehicles: two pick-ups and one four-wheel drive, but on a test basis. The funds will also go into the construction of charging stations in Nairobi for KP use and public demonstration.
Kenya Power has also finished the pilot test of 13 electric bikes alongside the UNEP, which will be used by meter readers and revenue collection staff.
So far, there are more than 1000 electric vehicles on Kenya’s roads.
Being a power producer and distributor, Kenya Power surely has a role in accelerating the electric vehicle adoption process.
With an installed electricity capacity of 3077 MW and an off-peak load of 1100 MW, Kenya has sufficient power to support the entire e-mobility ecosystem.
Others such as Roam and Opibus are piloting electric buses in Nairobi. The companies plan to provide their vehicles to Nairobi Matatu Saccos in 2023, when the city expects to see a number of such vehicles on the road.
Roam also has been selling the Roam Air, and electric motorbike across different parts of the country for KES 180K.
For more details, read more about the state of electric vehicles in Kenya here.
Quotes
“I am glad to announce that in the next one year, we plan to roll out about 30 EV charging stations in major cities across the country. The four acquired EVs we are launching today will give the company first-hand experience and data on electric vehicles,” said KenGen Acting Managing Director and CEO, Abraham Serem.
“The EV revolution is here with us. Countries around the world are racing to phase out gasoline and petrol cars. France, England, Norway, India, China, USA, and the Netherlands are leading with either a goal to stop the sale of internal combustion engines by 2050 or have significant EV sales,” said Mr. Serem.
