Prof. Samantha Clarke
BYD, the world’s largest EV maker, has joined forces with Ampersand, a pioneering e-motorbike taxi company based in Kigali, to accelerate Africa’s transition to cleaner transportation. While Africa’s electric vehicle economy is still in its early stages, the abundance of motorcycles in many African markets presents an opportunity for shared clean mobility ambitions. Recognizing this potential, Ampersand aims to produce 40,000 electric bikes by the end of 2026.
Kigali, where Ampersand operates, has more motorbikes than cabs in New York, making it a prime location for the company’s goal of an all-electric fleet. Collaborating with BYD, known for their durable and cost-effective lithium-iron-phosphate e-bikes, will enhance Ampersand’s offerings in terms of quality and quantity. Ampersand’s CEO, Josh Whale, considers this partnership with BYD a significant milestone in providing sustainable and affordable EV solutions for the mass market.
Beyond the immediate benefits for riders in terms of reduced fuel and maintenance costs, the broader context of this partnership revolves around the urgent need to decarbonize Africa’s transport systems. With over 30 million commercial motorcycles powered by internal combustion engines, there is a vast market for electrification. This transition not only brings environmental advantages but also economic benefits for riders.
BYD’s association with Ampersand showcases its focus on the African market as it faces rising tariffs and restrictions on Chinese EV imports in Western markets. The collaboration aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainable development and clean energy in Africa, where countries like Kenya are already leaders in clean electricity generation.
The impact of the BYD and Ampersand partnership will be particularly significant in East Africa’s Boda Belt, where motorcycles are a primary mode of commercial mobility. Introducing electric motorbikes in this region has the potential to transform urban mobility, reduce pollution, and contribute to economic growth by lowering operational costs for riders.
By leveraging advanced battery technology and scaling up production, BYD and Ampersand are well-positioned to make a substantial progress in the electrification of Africa’s commercial motorcycles. This collaboration sets a strong foundation for achieving their ambitious production targets, ensuring that reliable and efficient electric motorcycles are not only available but also abundant in Africa.
The partnership between BYD and Ampersand in Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) market holds significant potential for the region’s transition to cleaner transportation. With the aim to produce 40,000 electric bikes by the end of 2026, Ampersand recognizes the opportunity presented by the abundance of motorcycles in many African markets.
Kigali, where Ampersand operates, has a higher number of motorbikes than cabs in New York, making it an ideal location for the company’s goal of an all-electric fleet. BYD, known for their durable and cost-effective lithium-iron-phosphate e-bikes, will enhance Ampersand’s offerings in terms of quality and quantity.
Beyond the immediate benefits for riders such as reduced fuel and maintenance costs, the partnership between BYD and Ampersand contributes to the urgent need to decarbonize Africa’s transport systems. With over 30 million commercial motorcycles powered by internal combustion engines in the continent, there is a vast market for electrification. This transition not only brings environmental advantages but also economic benefits for riders.
The collaboration also reflects BYD’s focus on the African market amidst rising tariffs and restrictions on Chinese EV imports in Western markets. This partnership aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainable development and clean energy in Africa, where countries like Kenya are already leaders in clean electricity generation.
The impact of this partnership will be particularly significant in East Africa’s Boda Belt, where motorcycles are a primary mode of commercial mobility. By introducing electric motorbikes in this region, the collaboration could transform urban mobility, reduce pollution, and contribute to economic growth by lowering operational costs for riders.
By leveraging advanced battery technology and scaling up production, BYD and Ampersand are well-positioned to make substantial progress in the electrification of Africa’s commercial motorcycles. This collaboration sets a strong foundation for achieving their ambitious production targets, ensuring that reliable and efficient electric motorcycles are not only available but also abundant in Africa.
For more information on the growth and potential of the electric vehicle industry in Africa, you can visit Green Tech Media.
