Kenya and Nigeria are emerging as Africa’s electric mobility frontrunners, with local firms assembling electric vans and taxis from Chinese-made kits to cut fuel costs and emissions. In Nigeria, Lagos-based Saglev is producing 18-seater electric vans using components from Dongfeng Motor Corp, marking a major step toward locally built mass transit EVs. Meanwhile in Kenya, Chinese-backed Rideence Africa has partnered with Associated Vehicle Assemblers to roll out the country’s first dedicated EV assembly line. The economics for adopting EVs are compelling: charging one costs approximately $3 for 200 kilometers compared to over $15 for equivalent petrol distances. To overcome Africa’s credit access challenges and make EVs more affordable, companies are deploying innovative financing like pay-as-you-drive models, with Rideence leasing taxis for $18 daily.
Africanews
