IZI Electric has launched the Impala E30, a 30-seater electric coach set to take on Roam Buses and disrupt electric public transport in Africa.
The Impala E30 features CATL’s revolutionary BC5 battery system, backed by an unprecedented 10-year/1-million-kilometer warranty, the first and the best in Africa, says the team.
“This warranty is the breakthrough the market has been waiting for,” explained Alex Wilson, CEO of IZI Electric. “Until now, electric bus manufacturers have typically offered an average 4-year or 400,000-kilometer warranties, creating significant anxiety about long-term battery performance and limiting financing options. Our 10-year warranty fundamentally changes this dynamic, giving both operators and financial institutions the confidence to invest in cleaner, more economical transport.”
The Impala E30 will join IZI’s leasing fleet in June, with initial deployment focused on intercity routes exceeding 400 kilometres per day. With over 50 units already ordered, IZI is rapidly scaling operations in Rwanda.
Game-Changing Economics
With pricing expected to be 10-40% lower than equivalent electric vehicles from Europe and China, the firm sees a big market for Impala E30 in Africa. A typical intercity bus traveling 200km daily in Africa consumes approximately $64 in diesel at current prices compared to $8 the Impala E30 requires to cover the same distance across markets like Zambia, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.
Over a 10-year period, the total operating cost savings are drastic when going electric, diesel bus 10-year fuel cost is ~$233,650 compared to Impala E30 10-year fuel costs at ~$29,384, a 10-year savings per vehicle or over ~$204,266. This represents up to 87% saving on fuel costs over 10-years, transforming income for public transport operators.
Designed for Africa, the Impala E30 features marine-grade anti-corrosion materials to combat coastal salt exposure, reinforced waterproofing systems for tropical environments, optimized suspension for varied road quality including unpaved roads and advanced thermal battery management system for high-heat conditions.
Smarter Fleets, Lower Risk
Its IZI Connect fleet management platform provides operators with real-time monitoring of vehicle location and performance, predictive maintenance alerts that prevent breakdowns before they occur, driver behaviour insights to maximize range and safety and smart route optimization based on energy consumption patterns.
“Our integrated fleet management system is critical to improving operational efficiency,” said Wilson. “By providing real-time data on vehicle performance and driver behaviour, we’re helping operators extract maximum value from their investment.”
Designed for the Coaster Economy
“The Coaster has been the workhorse of African transport for decades, with over 100,000 in operation” Wilson explained. “In Rwanda alone, there are over 1,000 diesel coasters in service. In Tanzania, they dominate intercity routes, while in Ghana, they’re the preferred choice for corporate staff transportation. We’ve designed the Impala E30 to seamlessly replace these vehicles with a zero-emission alternative that offers similar acquisition costs but dramatically lower operating expenses.”
Strong Demand Already Rolling In
IZI has already secured over 50 pre-orders from transport operators across East Africa, with the first vehicles set to arrive in July 2025.
