BasiGo , a Kenyan electric vehicle (EV) startup has launched a high-power DC Fast charging station for electric buses in Nairobi’s BuruBuru estate.
The charging station which is the first to be connected to Kenya’s new E-mobility tariff approved by Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority in March this year has the capacity to charge 6 electric buses simultaneously although it is projected to support 25 Electric Buses by year’s end.
Jit Bhattacharya, BasiGo CEO said,“BasiGo is proud to have our Buru Buru charging station be the first connected through the new E-mobility tariff. Every Electric Bus we deploy, and charge replaces the consumption of 20,000 Litres per year of imported diesel, with the consumption of 50 MWh of clean, renewable electricity produced here in Kenya. With the new E-mobility tariff, we can invest in infrastructure like this charging station and enable the rapid growth of the electric vehicle industry in Kenya.”
The emobility tariff provides low-cost power for electric vehicle charging during night-time hours when Kenya currently has a surplus of renewable energy supply.
‘Here in Kenya, the transport sector contributes to 67% of all emissions in the energy sector and 12% of national emissions. The sector emissions are projected to rise to 17% in 2030. To combat this trend, the E-mobility sector ought to be supported to grow and take off in the country. Being the biggest economy in the region, an innovation hub, and a clean energy global leader, Kenya stands an unparalleled chance to become the launch pad for the rest of the continent when it comes to the growth of the EV sector’ – Dr. (Eng.) Joseph Siror, Kenya Power Managing Director and Chief Executive
BasiGo now has 3 charging sites in operation in Embakasi, Kikuyu, and now BuruBuru, with the capacity to charge over 20 electric buses.
Located on Rabai Road, the Buruburu station will be the home base for Electric Buses operated by OMA Services and Embassava SACCO.
By the end of 2023, BasiGo charging stations will be made open to the public to charge electric cars and trucks.
The company is planning to deploy more charging Stations like these across Nairobi and eventually across the country, to support the deployment of 1,000 Electric buses to Nairobi bus operators over the next 3 years.