Consumer View: The highs & lows of driving an electric bus

From the newsletter

Kenya’s capital Nairobi is steadily embracing clean transportation, with dozens of electric buses now operating on several city routes. These eco-friendly vehicles, which run on green energy, are praised for offering a more comfortable ride for both passengers and drivers. This week, we focus on Geoffrey Machio, a Kenyan electric bus driver.   

• He knows electric buses are gaining traction in Africa, including in Ethiopia, South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria as a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel buses. They are cheaper to run, hence economical for both bus owners and commuters. 

• Mr. Machio began driving an electric bus purchased from BasiGo last year after undergoing a one-week training program. At the time, electric buses were still few in number, but have since grown significantly. 

More details

Mr. Machio highlighted comfort as one of the biggest advantages of electric buses. “As drivers, we sit for long hours—8, 10, or even 13 hours a day,” he explained. “In fuel-powered buses, the seats are rigid and immovable, so by the end of the day, you're extremely tired. But electric buses are much more comfortable and supportive—it’s almost like they give you a light massage.”

Mr Machio typically charges his bus twice a day. A full battery charge allows the bus to cover approximately 100 to 105 km, depending on driving speed. The daily charging cost is around Ksh9,000 ($70), or roughly Ksh42 ($0.3) per kilometer.

When it comes to cost comparison, he noted that while fuel-powered buses may seem cheaper to operate, electric buses often earn more because they fill up with passengers quickly. “People like them—they’re fast, quiet, and comfortable. If you're on schedule, electric buses can actually be more profitable,” said Machio, who operates the Nairobi CBD to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport route among others.

However, Mr. Machio expressed concern that despite the high revenue electric buses can generate, drivers take home only a small portion. “The owners take a big cut,” he said. “For a 24-seater, they expect Ksh5,000 ($39) per day in revenue, plus Ksh4,500 ($35) offload fees, and then there’s the battery swapping or charging costs. Altogether, you need a budget of at least Ksh25,000 ($194) a day, not including smaller expenses.”

Battery swapping and weather issues pose challenges

Battery management remains a significant challenge. “We have to charge twice a day. Sometimes you’re in the middle of your route and the battery dies—you have to go back to the station to recharge,” Mr. Machio said.

He also pointed out that electric buses require extra caution in rainy weather to avoid electric shocks. “If it rains and water levels are high, you have to park and wait until it’s safe. There’s a limit to the depth electric buses can safely drive through,” he explained. Unlike fuel-powered buses that can operate in light flooding—as long as water doesn’t reach the engine—electric buses risk shutting down or being damaged if water enters the electrical system.

Another drawback Mr. Machio mentioned is the higher cost of spare parts for electric buses, which are often more expensive than those for conventional diesel or petrol models.

Despite these challenges, the appeal of electric buses remains strong due to their speed, quiet operation, and comfort. Passengers prefer them, and with better support systems and cost-sharing models, drivers like Mr. Machio believe electric buses have the potential to transform urban transport in Nairobi.