BasiGo, a Kenyan electric vehicle startup has launched a Sh5 million passenger electric bus targeting PSV operators. The 25-seat, electric bus is designed by BYD Automotive, the world’s leading manufacturer of electric buses has 250 Km of range and a recharge time of less than 4 hours.
BasiGo’s Electric Buses will offer long range, improved reliability, and lower operating costs than diesel buses. The electric buses are recharged each night thus, enabling a dramatic impact on air pollution and climate emissions.
With BasiGo’s unique Pay-As-You-Drive financing solution, the K6 Electric bus is made affordable to all owners who are eager to transition to clean, electric drive.
The unveiling comes a month after the company secured a $ 4.3 million seed funding round led by Novastar Ventures with participation from several Silicon Valley investors including: Moxxie Ventures, Nimble Partners, Spring Ventures, Climate Capital, and Third Derivative.
The pilot programme will be done in partnership with two PSV operators in Nairobi. Citi Hoppa will deploy the buses between the city centre and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, while East Shuttle will operate along Eastlands routes.
BasiGo chief executive and founder Jit Bhattacharya said. “Today marks an important step towards a cleaner and brighter future for public transit in Kenya. We are thrilled to be partnering with two pioneering public service vehicle (PSV) operators Citi Hoppa and East Shuttle to give Kenyans their first chance to ride in an electric bus.”
According to East Shuttle Director of Finance John Moses Kamau. “With the possibility of less maintenance and avoiding the cost of diesel fuel, these buses address many of the hassles our owners face and should be better for our business overall.”
Buyers will be subjected to pay a daily subscription fee of Sh20 per kilometre to cover the cost of leasing the battery, nightly charging at a BasiGo depot as well as service and maintenance for the buses.
Deliveries of first locally-assembled K6 electric buses will begin in the second half of 2022. Customers can reserve the K6 electric bus with no deposit and no cancellation penalty.
Kenya Power says it is ready to work with electric mobility firms by supplying electricity for charging the batteries. Acting kenya Power CEO Rosemary Oduor said,“to support the growth of electrified motorization in the country, Kenya Power has established a liaison office which will act as our one-stop shop to champion the company’s e-mobility business,” and She added that the company will support the identification of sites for potential charging stations, as well as requisite geo-mapping software to enable users locate the nearest charging station.
