Kenyan EV Startup BasiGo launches first electric bus costing Ksh.5M

The 25-seater electric bus, which was designed and assembled with BYD Automotive parts, will have a four-hour charge capacity retention, allowing for a 250-kilometer range before recharging.

Jit Bhatacharya, chief executive and founder of BasiGo, said the move will usher in a cleaner future for public transportation in Kenya at the launch on Wednesday at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

"Today marks an important step towards a cleaner and brighter future for public transit in Kenya," he posed.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with two pioneering public service vehicle (PSV) operators Citi Hoppa and East Shuttle to give Kenyans their first chance to ride in an electric bus," he added.

Citi Hoppa will provide buses between the city center and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as part of the partnership program, while East Shuttle will provide buses along the Eastlands Routes.

BasiGo has also teamed up with Kenya Power to provide electricity to charge the batteries.

Kenya Power has established a liaison office, which will act as our one-stop shop to champion the company's e-mobility business, to support the growth of electrified motorization in the country, according to acting Kenya Power CEO Rosemary Oduor.

Pay-as-you-drive credit, as well as maintenance and charging services, will be available to buyers. They will be subjected to a daily subscription fee of Ksh.20 per kilometer to cover the cost of leasing the battery.