Why Uber is betting big on EVs

November 25, 2025

Dear subscriber,

Small, fuel-efficient cars like the Toyota Vitz, Nissan Note, and Mazda Demio dominate Africa’s taxi industry. EV equivalents like Henrey, Wuling Mini and MG Comet are emerging as more energy efficient alternatives. How far can taxis fuel the continent’s EV push?

Brian Ambani – Editor

Online taxi hailing company Uber has launched its first fleet of electric vehicles in South Africa, starting in Johannesburg. The company has rolled out 70 electric cars immediately and will add a further 280 by the end of January 2026. The Henrey Minicar 4-seaters were imported from China by Valternative Energy, which has partnered with Uber on the project. 

  • EVs are cheaper to run, enabling drivers to charge less. On launch in South Africa, a ride on an Uber electric car sampled by Mobility Rising is 21% cheaper than a fuel car. 

  • Uber has already deployed electric motorcycles in Kenya and Uganda, gaining significant traction. The company could roll out electric cars in other markets. 

  • Our take: The taxi business will play a central role in EV sales… Read more (2 min)

Researchers in Germany have developed a new sodium-ion battery made from wood waste. The battery could be used for stationary or mobile storage applications where fast charging isn’t essential. The team says it is well-suited for low-power vehicles, such as microcars with top speeds of around 45 km per hour, and warehouse equipment like forklifts.

  • The scientists focused on transforming lignin, a polymer found in wood and typically treated as industrial waste, into a high-performance battery material (hard carbon). It offers strong electrochemical performance, excellent cycle stability, and low production costs. 

  • The battery is the single most expensive component of an EV. Wood batteries could be particularly useful in Africa, where microcars, tricycles and motorcycles are the most popular EVs.  

  • Our take: Significant investment in research and human capital is needed… Read more (2 min)

Although EVs have lower maintenance costs than fuel-powered cars, a well-structured maintenance plan is still essential. It should prioritise EV-specific needs such as battery health diagnostics, wear and tear coverage, and software updates, says Hideki Machida, writes a South Africa-based EV owner. Such a plan can shield owners from costly repairs. 

  • Mr Machida, an Associate Director at KPMG South Africa, previously led Mobility 2030 South Africa for five years. 

  • After three years of owning a Mercedes-Benz EQA 250, he has spent R14,222 ($824) in total; an average of $275 per year in repairs, with tire replacement as the main expense due a higher rate of wear and tear. 

  • Click here to read the full opinion… (2 min)

ARC Ride’s Judith Otieng participates in a panel in Morocco (Source: ARC Ride)

Jobs

📈 Join Tesla as a Sales Advisor (Morocco)

✈️ Become an Imports Operations Officer at Dodai (Ethiopia)

👨‍🏭 Apply for the role of Fabrication Technician at Ampersand (Kenya)

Events

📅 Book a slot at a blended finance for green projects shindig (Dec 10)

📅 Attend the Africa EV Mobility Expo in Kenya (Dec 4)

📅 Register for EV Revolution Africa Conference in Ghana (Dec 3)

Various 

🚘 Dongfeng opens new dealership in Boksburg

🚗 TAD Motors to unveil is first locally assembled EV tomorrow

🎯 Chinese car makers signal intent to establish SA base for continental market

Seen on LinkedIn 

Iragena Pacifique, Founder of Motovault Solutions, says, “While everyone celebrates Rwanda’s “electric mobility revolution,” I’m watching riders lose their livelihoods to bikes that don’t survive past their loan payments. The machines are failing faster than the business models.”