Electric cars have continued to penetrate Kenya's transportation sector as the country gears towards safe energy and curbing emissions.
The government intends to have 5 per cent of all registered vehicles in Kenya being electric vehicles, by 2025.
Finland's electric taxi service, Nopea Ride, has dominated the Kenyan market by tripling its fleet. Their cars, according to experts, have helped reduce emissions in Nairobi hence decreasing pollution-related health complications.
Other startups that have embraced the Kenyan market include BasiGo, Kiri, and Opibus with many more still joining the bandwagon.
But there are hidden costs that have contributed to the slow adoption of electric vehicles. These costs play a pivotal role in decision making and influencing a motorists choice of electric car.
The initial cost of acquiring an electric car is higher compared to other fuel-powered cars. In Kenya, most buyers prefer used cars. The data from manufacturers indicate that only a few individuals acquire new cars from car yards.
Even though electric cars, offer an option, their prices are still higher compared to fuel-powered ones in Kenya. The average price of an electric car in Kenya is about Ksh1.2 million.
Charging Equipment
Availability of charging equipment is also a major factor a shopper should consider before acquiring an electric car. Most of these cars come with a Level 1 charger that plugs into any 110 household outlet.
However, this would take your car weeks to be full. Level 2 chargers are the preferred ones but their cost is quite expensive. In Kenya, Level 2 Charger is roughly Ksh100,000.
But to avoid this struggle, the country has a number of charging stations. Two Rivers Mall, Mombasa Road near JKIA, The Hub Karen, and Viena Court near State House Road. The charging costs vary depending on the stations.
Electric Vehicles batteries are the most expensive parts of the car. The biggest challenge is that they wear out overtime forcing owners to park them as buying a new one is extremely expensive. In most developed countries, they lease the batteries to owners to reduce the cost of acquiring brand new ones.
Hyundai is one car model that considers leasing its batteries for electric cars to encourage purchasability.
Maintenance and Repair
Maintenance is also a factor to consider while buying an electric car. As much as they do not need oil changes or engine air filters, they require time to time repairs to keep them in good mechanical order.
Electric cars have a thermal management system that contains a coolant that needs to be exchanged and the fluid flushed out regularly.
As much as maintaining the thermal management system is quite priced, electric cars have fewer systems that require regular servicing.
Repair cost also determine whether one should buy an electric car. In Kenya, one just walks at any garage and get his fuel car fixed, but for electric cars, mechanics are limited and a few have knowledge about the technology required.
Advanced Driver Assist Systems for example and infotainment screens could run up massive repair bills. Diagnostic systems and parts might only be available from specific dealers.
Insurance
Insurance is also another key factor to should consider before purchasing an electric car. Compared to gas-powered cars, insurance costs for electric vehicles are higher.
Most insurers charge more as EVs ae costlier to repair. Why? Only a few shops have the equipment to deal with high capacity batteries.
Resale value
Resale value is also a key factor for every electric car owner. Compared to their cousins, their resale value is low. According to Car World research, a typical gas-powered depreciate around 39 per cent after three years, while an electric car will crater by 52 per cent.
Furthermore, most buyers fear buying second-hand electric cars due to their advanced technologies. The demand is therefore based on longevity with Tesla being among the most trusted brands in the world.
To address some of the challenges, electric car companies are partnering with different government firms to address the problems.
In March 2021, Kenya Power stated that it would build a nationwide network of public charging points, removing one of the hurdles for use of electric cars in Kenya.
“As part of our implementation plan, we are developing appropriate infrastructure and building internal capacity to enable us to support the use of electric vehicles across the value chain,” stated Kenya Power managing director Bernard Ngugi.
To encourage the purchase of electric cars, ABC Shopping Mall along Waiyaki Way, ChargeNet’s EV station, started offering free charging last year.
Similar stations in Kasarani and Ngong Racecourse are also set to be opened by ChargeNet.
