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- Top bus operator buys 100 electric vehicles
Top bus operator buys 100 electric vehicles
Dear subscriber,
Even the world’s best business models can’t beat bad policies. Which is why we keep track of the key government policies that shape EV markets across Africa. Enjoy the read!
Brian Ambani - Editor
 | Paruk Group, a leading South African bus operator, has purchased 100 electric buses from German automaker MAN Trucks & Buses. It is one of Africa’s largest electric bus orders and MAN’s largest outside Europe. The buses will be made in South Africa, where the firm has a factory. Delivery of the fleet will begin in 2026 and is to be completed by the end of 2027. |
South Africa has an estimated 25,000 buses, with almost 80% used for public transport and the remainder for commercial and government purposes.
Early this year, MAN became the first company in southern Africa to make electric buses. It joins MCV (Egypt), BasiGo (Kenya), and Kiira Motors (Uganda) as the top electric bus manufacturers in Africa.
Our take: Electric buses are packed with huge battery packs which cost an arm and a leg. Falling battery costs will significantly reduce prices… Read more (2 min)
 | Kenyan charge point operator EVChaja has expanded into shuttle services. The company is going to utilise its in-house charging network to run a growing fleet of electric vans. EVChaja targets corporate clients for daily commutes and inter-office transport, aiming to cut operational costs while delivering comprehensive electric mobility solutions. |
Most EV companies in Africa are still startups, navigating markets with varying consumer needs and tastes to identify effective scaling strategies.
Africa’s diverse infrastructure, energy access and policies make a one-size-fits-all approach tricky. Startups that adapt to local conditions may be better off.
Our take: In the coming years, more EV companies will shift from vehicle-centric sales to integrated mobility and energy service platforms… Read more (2 min)
 | Mobility Rising’s monthly Policy Review has tracked five major policy proposals that will impact EVs in Africa. In Tunisia, the government is rolling out the red carpet with tax cuts for EVs. Ethiopia is doubling down on EVs with a new ban on diesel trucks. In Kenya, the government is set to allow EV charging companies to enjoy limitless amounts of subsidised power. |
A number of policies try to address the biggest growth barriers for EVs such as high costs, weak infrastructure, and market uncertainty.
While some African countries take a long-term view on EV policies, others are short-termist based on their immediate revenue needs, leading to frequent policy changes.
Our take: Multi-year EV policy frameworks that clearly link incentives, infrastructure and industrial goals are key… Read more (2 min)
FD Special Vehicles B.V.’s Frank Daams (left) shakes hands with Intermotive owner Hans Bos after signing an electric Land Cruisers deal (Source: Intermotive Cars, Trucks and Parts)
Jobs
🛠️ Join Solar Taxi as a National Service Personnel (Ghana)
💼 Become a Branch Manager - Boda Loans at Mogo (Uganda)
👷🏻♂️ Apply for an Electrical Technician role at Dodai (Ethiopia)
Events
🗓️ Attend the E-Mobility and Infrastructure Africa Summit in Kenya (Nov 26)
🗓️ Register for the EV Revolution Africa Conference in Ghana (Dec 3)
📆 Book a slot at the Africa EVs Expo in Kenya (Dec 4)
Various
🚘 Technoserve electrifies its fleet with four BYD Dolphin Surf in South Africa
🚗 BYD to launch Sealion 5 PHEV in South Africa
💰 Maxwell+spark wins $15m backing for lithium-ion battery expansion in SA
Seen on LinkedIn
Emeka Ajene, Founder of Afridigest, says, "Traditional EV charging infrastructure simply doesn't work when the grid itself is unreliable.”