Opinion: Vehicle conversion bottlenecks hinder EV adoption

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Retrofitting commercial fuel vehicles is the fastest and cheapest route to mass transport decarbonisation in Africa, says Omondi  Isaiah, Head of Operations in Kenya at Biliti Electric. However, this progress is being suppressed by the absence of clear regulations on EV conversions, and the reluctance of financial institutions to provide support, he says. 

• Mr Omondi has led operations at Biliti Electric for nearly five years, bringing extensive experience in business development, sales, and consultancy. He previously served as a warehouse supervisor and fleet manager at Arc Ride.

• To realise the gains of retrofitting East Africa’s utility fleet, the region should prioritise certified conversion standards, harmonised tariffs on key components, and investment in technical training to ensure safety, affordability, and scalability, says Mr Omondi.

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