Showcasing the growth of electric vehicle infrastructure in Africa, highlighting Kenya and Nigeria’s role in the electric van revolution.
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