Nairobi-based electric bus startup, BasiGO, has today announced the completion of its first E9 Kubwa E-Buses assembled locally in Kenya.
Announcing the achievement on X (formerly Twitter), BasiGo stated that the electric buses arrived as parts from CHTC and were fully built by their partners at Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM).
This achievement follows the $5 million in debt financing BasiGo secured in December 2023 from the British International Investment’s Climate Innovation Facility to scale up local electric bus assembly in Kenya.
“This funding is the first to support the electrification of public transport in Sub-Saharan Africa. With over 350 reservations from Nairobi operators, it will be key to meeting rapidly growing electric bus demand in Kenya,” said BasiGo.
According to CleanTechnica, BasiGO currently has a total of 19 electric buses in operation. The buses have driven over 1 million kilometers, carried over 1.2 milllion passengers, and mitigated approximately 500 tonnes of CO2 since they began operations.
The BasiGo E9 Kubwa: A Fully Electric Bus For Kenya
The E9 Kubwa is BasiGo’s electric bus tailored for Kenya’s public service vehicle sector. The 9-meter bus has 36 seats and safe standing room for 18, sporting a 400 km single-charge range exceeding most Kenyan bus routes.
With fast charging capability, the E9 Kubwa can fully recharge in just 2 hours. It also provides air brakes, ABS, and CCTV cameras for maximum safety.
Compared to diesel alternatives, the E9 Kubwa delivers superior affordability. Electricity costs less than diesel fuel, and the electric bus requires less maintenance, creating major savings for owners.
The shift promises cleaner, more sustainable public transportation, in line with Kenya’s green commitment.
BasiGo – The Revolutionary Startup Driving Positive Change in African Transportation
Established in 2021, BasiGo’s ambitious vision centers on transforming African public transport via accessible, affordable electric buses.
Their innovative financing model lowers purchase barriers, so local bus companies can transition from diesel to clean electric vehicles more seamlessly.
With nearly 20 e-buses in Kenya and the recent Rwanda expansion, BasiGo drives positive impact. Their buses curb air and noise pollution in line with Kenya’s renewable energy resources for sustainable transportation.
Looking ahead, BasiGo plans to have over 1,000 locally built electric buses running in Kenya by 2026 to solidify its leadership in enabling cleaner, greener public transit across Africa.
Their progress in making e-buses financially attainable sets the stage for revolutionizing regional public transportation.
