Why electric 14-seater vans are the next frontier

July 03, 2025

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Kenyan electric bus company BasiGo is venturing into electric 14-seater vans for the first time. Vans are the most commonly-used mass transport vehicles in Kenya. The company plans to launch its electric vans later this month. BasiGo assembles its electric buses locally and has delivered more than 50 to mass transport operators since it was founded in 2021.   

  • Demand for vans in Kenya is high, and BasiGo’s foray into this vehicle segment may help it increase sales faster. A growing number of electric vans are already being imported into the country by dealers, proving that demand exists.   

  • The electrification of vans is likely to happen faster than buses due to the lower adoption costs. This means van commuters could enjoy the benefits of electric mobility, especially lower fares, sooner. 

  • Our take: Electric 14-seater vans are a logical next step for BasiGo’s expansion strategy… Read more (2 min)

Nigeria’s Senate has passed the Electric Vehicle Transition and Green Mobility Bill 2025. The bill outlines ambitious targets, including the development of nationwide EV charging infrastructure, incentives to accelerate the adoption of EVs by individuals, businesses and government agencies, as well as the integration of renewable energy into transport systems.  

  • The bill could give Nigeria a clear framework for developing the mobility sector. As Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria has the potential to become a continental leader in EV sales. 

  • Nigeria has been lacking a comprehensive electric mobility policy to coordinate incentives, infrastructure rollout, vehicle standards and investment channels. This undermined investments from both local and international players. 

  • Our take: Laws are cheap. The proof will be in the execution. But Nigeria’s government does seem to become more proactive… Read more (2 min)

Jobs round-up: Zeno tops hiring this week 

Electric motorcycle maker Zeno leads jobs listings this week as tracked by Mobility Rising, contributing 12 of the 27 EV-related roles posted across the continent. East Africa dominates with 17 positions, followed by West Africa (6), North Africa (3), and Southern Africa (1). Zeno, which has just launched operations in Kenya, is aggressively recruiting to secure market share. 

  • Technical and operations roles are the most sought after this week, with nine positions targeting technicians, engineers or infrastructure specialists. These include multiple openings from Zeno in Kenya and Zembo in Uganda.

  • Electric motorcycle companies dominate hiring in both East and West Africa, including by Dodai, Zembo and MAX. Electric buses were notably absent. But Shift EV in Egypt represented electric vans with three roles.  

  • Check the full list of vacancies here… (2 min)

Automotive writer Edward Makwana poses with the new Hyundai SANTA FE in South Africa.

 

Events

🗓️ Attend the Southern African Transport Conference in South Africa (July 7)

🗓️ Register for public transport electrification in Africa webinar (July 23)

🗓️ Join the battery circularity webinar (July 23)

Various 

🤝🏻 NADDC and MEMACO agree on the establishment of CNG/EV assembly plant

⚡ City Power to install electric vehicle chargers in Johannesburg 

👨🏻‍💼 Africa auto association appoints Cabral Ngubane as their project manager

Seen on LinkedIn 

Paul Musasizi, CEO of Kiira Motors, says, “Charging stations, battery swap hubs, and financing models are no longer distant dreams but tangible realities, ensuring that e-mobility is accessible to all.”