BasiGo, the Kenyan e-mobility start-up spearheaded by visionary entrepreneur Jit Bhattacharya, who is disrupting Africa’s transport sector, has unveiled an ambitious plan to revolutionize Kenya’s transportation landscape.
According to reports, the e-mobility start-up aims to establish 16 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across Nairobi by the end of this year, solidifying its commitment to the country’s burgeoning e-mobility revolution.
The announcement was made by BasiGo CEO Jit Bhattacharya during the launch of the firm’s first-ever public charging station in Nairobi’s Buruburu estate. Bhattacharya expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “We are looking to establish 16 such stations across Nairobi by December this year before rolling out the service to other parts of the country.”
The cutting-edge charging facility, valued at Ksh4 million ($29,000), has the capacity to simultaneously charge six buses.
Initially reserved for BasiGo’s fleet of 17 buses, the station will be opened to the public in December.
Bhattacharya emphasized the potential for expansion, adding: “This is a charging station with the capability of charging six electric buses simultaneously, but it also has the scope and the space for us to eventually expand to the charging of 30 electric buses at this first area.”
To ensure convenient access, BasiGo plans to incorporate the charging cost into its pay-as-you-drive subscription scheme.
Subscribers pay a daily fee of Ksh20 ($0.144) per kilometer, covering the cost of battery leasing.
BasiGo has already made impressive strides in Kenya’s e-mobility landscape. Since entering the market in March 2021, the company’s fleet has traveled 280,000 kilometers, serving 360,000 passengers while reducing carbon emissions by 120 tonnes
With a track record of remarkable achievements, BasiGo is setting its sights on a groundbreaking milestone: the deployment of 1,000 electric buses in Kenya by 2025, driving steadfastly towards its ultimate goal of attaining zero emissions.
Backed by total funding of $10.9 million from investors, the e-mobility startup is determined to scale up its manufacturing of electric public service vehicles.
Additionally, BasiGo is actively expanding its charging infrastructure network, with a particular focus on Nairobi, home to the majority of its valued clientele.
