BasiGo, an e-mobility startup has launched operations in Nairobi, Kenya.
This is coming after the startup raised US$900,000 (KES 100m) in funding earlier in the year.
BasiGo will commence pilot testing with bus operators that are based in Nairobi after it rolls out its first electric buses in Kenya later in the year.
It is working on bringing electric bus services to Sub-Saharan Africa and will be sourcing buses from the largest manufacturer of electric buses globally, BYD Automotive.
The e-mobility startup also aims to assemble vehicles in Kenya.
Speaking on BasiGo’s solution-based service, its CEO and Co-founder, Jit Bhattacharya, said, “For years, diesel-powered buses have been the only viable solution for bus operators in Kenya.
We are excited to provide public transport operators with a new option: state-of-the-art electric buses that are more affordable, more reliable, and reduce bus operator exposure to the rising cost of diesel fuel.”
“The cost of electric bus technology has come down dramatically over the last 10 years, to the point where electric buses can offer significant savings compared to fossil-fuel buses.
Our goal is to help bus owners in Kenya realize these savings, and in the process, help Kenya become a global leader in sustainable public transport.”
BasiGo gives bus operators ultramodern electric buses along with charging and maintenance services.
It makes the buses affordable through its financing model which enables the operators to pay for battery and charging separately from the bus. This is done through a pay-as-you-go financing arrangement.
The e-mobility startup will provide 25 and 36 seat capacity buses with a target range of 250 kilometer. It will let transport operators finish a day’s operation before they return to a BasiGo charging depot at night for recharging and maintenance purposes.
The e-mobility startup also plans to spread its services across Africa.
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