Kenya’s first provider of fully electric commercial vehicles

ABOUT US

DRIVING ELECTRIC MOBILITY IN AFRICA

Equator Mobility aims to improve lives in Kenya by delivering sustainable and scalable transport and energy solutions. We are Kenya’s first provider of fully electric commercial vehicles. Established in early 2021, our objective is to assist businesses in the region with a cost-effective, environmentally friendly mode of transport that will dramatically reduce GHG emissions, air pollution, create employment opportunities, and contribute to Kenya’s economic growth.

Whilst passenger cars receive the most attention when discussing a future free of fossil fuels, we believe that vehicle fleets will play a pivotal role the e-mobility revolution in Africa. Often unnoticed, fleet vehicles are central to all our lives; they move the food we eat, the clothes we wear and even the medicines which keep us healthy.

In building a cleaner and more affordable transport ecosystem, Equator Mobility is also exploring the electric motorcycle market, smart batteries and the associated infrastructure of intelligent battery swap stations. Battery swaps are faster, cleaner, and more affordable than refuelling with petrol. Going electric will increase the boda driver’s income whilst leapfrogging Africa towards a carbon free future.

4-Wheelers

Equator Mobility offers a range of commercial EVs to suit different businesses. We currently operate with the T3 van from BYD. This electric van has a battery capacity of 50.3kWh, a max power of 70kW (94bhp) and a top speed of 100km/h, among the highest in the electric van category. The battery can last for up to 300km on full charge.

We also offer the latest generation of Nissan Leafs. The vehicles are 2018 and 2019 ZE1models, with a 40 kWh battery and 110 kW motor, which can comfortably provide 250 km of range. They are high performance EVs, with 5 seats, 435 litres of boot space, and a 5 star NCAP safety rating. Quiet, clean, smart, and safe, they are perfectly suited to corporates looking to transition their fleets to electric.

Due to the high total cost of ownership associated with these types of electric vehicles, we operate primarily on a rental model. Small entrepreneurs to big corporations can therefore transition their fleet to cheaper and cleaner electric vehicles without incurring the prohibitive upfront costs.

Meanwhile, they get to benefit from the lower running costs, lower CO2 emissions, lower pollutant emissions and improved brand equity. Our lease deals typically include insurance, service, maintenance, and tyres. As a business owner all you have to worry about is your driver and electricity costs of charging the car.

Please get in touch through our contact page to start the conversation.

2-Wheelers

Boda bodas are central to both urban and rural African mobility. There are now about 1.5 million bodas in Kenya. The sector is growing by about 15% per year, with c20,000 new bodas imported each month. The transport sector is responsible for 67% of energy related GHG emissions in Kenya, a share which is growing.

A conventional petrol motorcycle emits an astonishing 15 times more particulate matter in relation to its engine capacity than a petrol car. Kenya urgently needs to adopt new technologies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, if it is to meet its mitigation target of 30% by 2030, under the Paris Climate Agreement. The adoption of electric two-wheelers has emerged as an effective low-carbon strategy – one with the potential to offer significant environmental and social benefits.

Equator Mobility is therefore developing a cleaner and more affordable transport ecosystem for two-wheelers. One that consists of electric bodas, smart batteries and the associated infrastructure of intelligent battery swap stations.

IMPACT

COMMERCIAL

Typical users of EVs will save up to 75% in operating costs related to fuel and maintenance. Whilst a petrol van will typically cost you 1,400 shillings per 100 kilometres in fuel, an EV equivalent will cost you only 350 shillings in electricity for the same distance. Similarly, the average ICE vehicle has over 4,000 moving parts, whilst an EV has less than 400. This drives significant savings on maintenance: no oil to change, gaskets to replace, or valves to unblock. Better transport connectivity and lower transport costs in general will benefit manufacturers, farmers, consumers, and passengers alike.

ENVIRONMENTAL

With a carbon footprint considerably lower than a petrol equivalent, the move to electric vehicles will dramatically reduce GHG emissions. This positive environmental impact is particularly pronounced in Kenya, given close to 70% of the nation’s power generation mix already stems from renewable sources, largely geothermal and hydro. When the charging stations can be complemented with captive solar power, the positive climate impact will be even more commendable.

HEALTH

A significant and immediate reduction in local pollutants and particle emissions, including CO2, hydrocarbons, SOx and NOx, will have an immediate impact on the region’s number of air-quality related health issues, particularly in the more congested urban areas.​

EXPERIENCE

BORN AND BUILT IN KENYA

Equator Mobility was born and built in Kenya, from where the team has a proven track record in starting and building scalable businesses in a variety of African markets. It is part of the Maris group of companies. Maris is a diversified investment holding company, committed to responsible, long-term growth in Africa. Maris’ hands-on commitment to operational performance gives it the insight and agility required for success in some of Africa’s most challenging and remote business environments.

With investments in the commercial and industrial solar sector, hydro power, and electric transportation, its goal is to support environmentally sustainable development and accelerate Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Sister company, Equator Energy, is the largest industrial and commercial solar power provider in East Africa, servicing clients in five countries.

CONTACT

WANT TO JOIN AFRICA’S E-MOBILITY REVOLUTION?

Equator Mobility, Office CB1, Blixen Court,
Karen Road, Kenya,
PO Box 1925 - 00502
+254 110 146 275

Copyright © 2021 Equator Mobility. All Rights Reserved.