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Kenyan startup tests mass transit EVs for medium distance travel

July 23, 2025

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Kenyan electric bus company BasiGo has launched its first inter-city electric mass transport pilot. In partnership with two bus operators, the company is testing 16- and 19-seater electric vans on two routes outside the capital Nairobi. The vans have a range of 300 km and can be fully charged in 1.5 hours. BasiGo has also installed DC fast chargers along the pilot routes.

  • Vans are the most common form of public transport across Africa. Cracking this market would give EVs a significant boost. It requires overcoming concerns over vehicle prices, limited range and infrastructure.

  • Toyota fuel vans currently dominate in Kenya. Electric vans are quicker and cheaper to assemble than EV buses, making them ideal for fast deployment.

  • Our take: Fuel vans create pollution across Africa, and electric versions could be part of the solution… Read more (2 min)

Cenntro Inc is set to become the first American company to assemble fully electric commercial vehicles in Africa. The company has signed a partnership with Moroccan EV distributor Electricove Maroc, which will assemble Cenntro's EVs locally and distribute them in Morocco and North Africa. Cenntro will supply assembly kits for models such as the Teemak and LS450. 

  • Demand for EVs in Africa is attracting global companies. Cenntro has a broad strategy to strengthen its presence in Europe, Middle East and Africa. 

  • Morocco is becoming a hub for EV manufacturing. Stellantis makes the Citroën Ami, Opel Rocks-e and Fiat Topolino electric microcars there, as well as the Fiat Tris, a three-wheeled EV. Renault also produces the Mobilize DUO in Morocco.  

  • Our take: American companies lag way behind their Chinese, Japanese, Indian, South Korean and German peers in the EV race in Africa… Read more (2 min)

Egyptian authorities have visited China’s BYD to establish a local electric car manufacturing factory in Egypt. During the visit, the two sides discussed the possibility of establishing an integrated industrial complex that includes EV manufacturing, electric battery production, and solar panel manufacturing. BYD has this year become Egypt’s best-selling EV company.

  • The Suez Canal Economic Zone woos investors with low taxes, full repatriation of profits and subsidised electricity, water and land lease rates. 

  • Electric car assembly is still in its infancy in Egypt. State-owned El Nasr Automotive is working on the country’s first ever locally-produced car, while private firms assemble cars from components. 

  • Our take: Egypt could rival Morocco as an automotive giant, leveraging its abundant cheap energy and proximity to key markets… Read more (2 min)

Spiro’s deputy country head Raymond Kitunga flags off their road show in Nairobi, Kenya

 

Events

🗓️ Attend Morocco Electric Mobility and After-Market Show (Sept 16)

🗓️ Book your ticket for Smarter Mobility Africa Summit in South Africa (Oct 1)

🗓️ Attend Tomorrow Mobility World Congress in Spain (Nov 4)

Jobs

🏍 Apply for Ride Testing Officer’s role at MAX (Nigeria)

💼 Become an Inventory and Cost Accountant at BasiGo (Kenya)

📈 Lead telesales mobility team at M-Kopa (Kenya)

Various 

🚛 Isuzu East Africa set to pilot electric trucks in Kenya

🚀 Local EVs deliver fast courier services in African cities

💰 Questions about EVs and hybrid battery tariffs in South Africa

Seen on LinkedIn 

James Angawa, Regional Director of Operations at Easyship International Express Logistics, says, “With EV adoption comes new demand for battery logistics, recycling and charging infrastructure. Companies that move fast in these areas will unlock new revenue streams.”