Kenyan company, BasiGo has announced plans to roll out 100 electric vehicles after securing Ksh800 million in funding.
The motor vehicle company, on Tuesday, November 15, announced that it had received 100 reservations from various matatu stakeholders in the country who were looking to partner with them to roll out electric bus services.
BasiGo added that they were also in the process of rolling out charging stations in the city to help implement the program.
The funding was secured courtesy of Mobility54, Trucks VC and Novastar Ventures.
"The funding will enable the company to begin commercial delivery of locally manufactured electric buses and charging infrastructure through the company’s unique Pay-As-You-Drive financing model," read the statement in part.
"BasiGo’s Pay-As-You-Drive model allows owners to purchase an electric bus for a similar upfront cost to a diesel bus," read the statement in part.
Through the model operators pay BasiGo Ksh20 per kilometre subscription fee which includes leasing of the E-Bus battery, charging at BasiGo charge stations, and comprehensive service and maintenance provided.
The vehicles will be rolled out in 2023 with the first 15 set to be launched in January.
"BasiGo is already deploying high-power, DC fast-charging stations at strategic locations across Nairobi to support this expanded fleet.
"The company reports that all buses delivered in 2023 will be locally assembled in Kenya," the company added.
The company aims to roll out 1,000 vehicles by the end of 2025 with other counties also set to benefit.
"In the future, when we begin delivering to customers operating routes outside of Nairobi, we will expand the reach of our charging network beyond the city,” BasiGo CEO, Jit Bhattacharya stated.
Since launching its operations in March, the company has ferried 140,000 passengers following their fleet operations with Citi Hoppa and East Shuttle.
