BasiGo and Tata International Limited have launched the first pilot test of Indian electric bus models using Tata Motors electric buses in Africa in Nairobi, Kenya where electric mobility firm BasiGo has had previous successful launches.
BasiGo and Tata will test two of Tata Motor’s electric buses in PSV Operations in Kenya, the first-ever test of Indian electric bus technology in the African market. The firms will test the 36-passenger Tata E-Buses which boast a 250 km driving range and will be operated by OMA Services and East Shuttle on key Nairobi routes.
“BasiGo is always looking for the best electric bus technology for Nairobi PSV operators. Tata Motors is one of the largest automotive brands in the world. We are excited to introduce Tata’s electric buses to the Nairobi PSV ecosystem, and we look forward to seeing their performance in real-world operation”, Jit Bhattacharya, CEO BasiGo.
Headquartered in Nairobi, BasiGo brings together experts in electric vehicles, public transport, the power sector, asset finance, software, and data science to help African cities transition to inclusive, sustainable public transport.
Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has built state-of-the-art Starbus electric buses for its clients in the Indian market and had at one time unveiled 340 electric buses to Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST). The 35-seater Tata Starbus electric AC buses come with complete charging infrastructure along with the buses. BEST’s order of the 12-metre long, 35-seater Tata Starbus AC electric buses are equipped with advanced features for the comfort of the driver and the passengers and come with utility provisions like charging ports and wide entry and exit passages.
The 12-meter full-electric buses come with Intelligent Transport System (ITS), AC systems, telematics system, regenerative braking system, amongst other features for efficient and smooth operations. The buses have been extensively tested and validated by Tata Motors across varied terrains and conditions and are engineered to deliver high standard of performance. Tata Motors has been on the forefront of alternate fuel technology in India such as battery-electric, hybrid, CNG, LNG and hydrogen fuel cell technology. The company has received an order of 15 hydrogen fuel cell buses from IndianOil Corporation Ltd. Tata Motors has supplied 525 electric buses across several states in India, which have cumulatively clocked more than 15 million kilometres.
The partnership with Kenya’s BasiGo might be Tata Motors’ big entry into the East Africa electric bus market.
