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- The fierce war for leading dealers could shape the success of EV firms
The fierce war for leading dealers could shape the success of EV firms
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 | Global EV companies are locked in a stiff battle for dealers in Africa as part of their plan to grab market share in key regions. BYD has made CFAO Mobility, an established distributor, its dealer in multiple markets like Kenya, Nigeria and Rwanda. EV firms are jostling for dealers that have wide distribution networks and experience. |
There are thousands of motor vehicle dealers across Africa, where the dealership model is the dominant distribution channel for new and used vehicles. This involves independent dealerships that partner with vehicle manufacturers or large importers to sell and service their vehicles.
While direct-to-consumer (DTC) is emerging as an alternative model for the sale of EVs in developed countries such as the US, China and in Europe, it is yet to take root, especially in Africa. The EV industry is fairly new in Africa, and as such, global car manufacturers prefer to appoint dealers that already have deep knowledge about the local market.
Our take: The intermediary nature of dealerships adds layers of cost. This is leading to cases where some EVs in Africa cost more than four times what they cost in China… Read more (2 min)
 | As the majority of electric motorcycle companies struggle to get investors, Zeno finds itself on the opposite end, having to turn away some investors. Such is the potential that investors see not only in the company but also the sector, Zeno’s CEO Michael Spencer tells Mobility Rising in an interview. The startup recently opened its motorcycles for pre-orders globally. |
The motorcycles, which are targeting a wide spectrum of buyers including personal users, adventure riders, safari guides, and commercial riders, have received instant demand, said Mr Spencer. Zeno similarly plans to make a splash in the EV charging market, targeting to set up 120 stations in Kenya before expanding to Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ethiopia.
Mr Spencer previously worked at Tesla, where he was involved in automotive manufacturing, and led product teams in the energy business. He has spent more than two decades building businesses in East Africa, which is a launchpad for Zeno’s Africa growth plan.
To read our full interview, Read more (2 min)
 | Electric motorcycles are rapidly gaining popularity on the outskirts of Nairobi, and their growing advantages are putting pressure on riders of fuel motorcycles to make the switch. This week, we spotlight Cedrick Inyanje, a Kenyan boda-boda (taxi) rider. He is torn between the reliability of the past and the promise of a more affordable electric future. |
Mr Inyanje has depended on his petrol-powered Boxer 100 cc for the past four years. While he has not yet transitioned to an electric motorcycle, he is seriously considering it after hearing positive feedback from fellow riders who have made the switch.
His main concerns, however, are the limited number of battery swapping stations, particularly outside Nairobi, and whether an electric bike can manage long-distance journeys such as his regular trips to his rural home, which is approximately 470 km from the capital.
Events
🗓️ Register for Women in E-Mobility Network Webinar (June 4)
🗓️ Attend Mobility Live Conference happening in Dubai (June 24)
🗓️ Plan early for the Africa EV Mobility Expo happening in Kenya (Dec 4)
Jobs
👷🏻♂️ Apply for the operations and maintenance parts manager role at Spiro (Rwanda)
💼 Join BasiGo as an Accounts Associate (Rwanda)
🔎 Lead Rubicon’s quality assurance team (South Africa)
Various
🤝 Roam partners with Jump Energy, a battery-centric company
🔋 Dodai launches battery swapping pilot initiative in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
🚗 Nigeria launches an EV assembly plant
Seen on LinkedIn
Warren Ondanje, Managing Director of Africa E-Mobility Alliance, says, “Africa's transition is more economically driven than environmental because it makes business sense.”