Embassava Sacco on Friday, May 19, launched an electric bus to ply Nairobi routes in joint partnership with BasiGo, an electric manufacturing bus company.
The bus will join the Embassava fleet of diesel buses that serves Embakasi, Savannah, Pipeline, and Donholm estates of the city.
Martin Eshiwani, the director of road and rail transport in the Ministry of Roads, lauded the partnership noting that it was in line with the government's vision of switching to electric mobility, part of the government's move to tackle climate change.
Commuters using the bus will enjoy services including:
Availability of Charging ports
The new bus comes with charging ports allowing users to charge their devices, mobile phones, and laptops, while in transit.
This convenience allows customers to chat and work with their phones knowing they will easily charge their phones if the battery runs out.
Automatic doors
The buses are fitted with automatic doors that allow drivers to open and close doors with the push of a button.
The development, in some cases, may eliminate the requirement of touts tasked with closing and opening the doors.
Zero emissions
The bus does not use diesel and hence does not release harmful gases into the atmosphere making them environmentally friendly.
The feature also saves passengers and commuters from suffering from respiratory diseases.
Data tracking
The Sacco will have an easier time managing its fleet since it can pinpoint the exact location of its e-buses.
It can also schedule repairs and charging services before the need arises.
Long battery life
The buses take an average of 3 hours to charge and can travel for 250 kilometres on a full charge.
They use lithium-ion batteries to store the electric energy required to go for long distances.
Embassava Sacco chairman Benson Njoroge noted that the bus was likely to boost the profits for the sacco since electric buses are cheaper to operate than diesel buses.
Moses Nderitu, the Chief Revenue Officer of BasiGo stated that transport sector saccos are embracing e-mobility to diversify their fleet. This means some of their buses use diesel while others use electric energy.
Other saccos with e-buses from BasiGo include Super Metro, Metro Trans, and City Hoppa.
