NAIROBI – The battery swapping technology specialist STIMA and the India’s leading electric
motorcycle manufacturer OneElectric have partnered to deploy 3,000 rechargeable electric
motorcycles in first phase, for Kenya. Thereafter the joint venture will expand to other African
countries. The partnership combines OneElectric’s high-performing and premium electric
motorcycles with STIMA’s instant recharge infrastructure that can be deployed at a large
scale. OneElectric has already supplied an initial 30 motorcycles that will be deployed in the
Kenyan market in the coming weeks.
Through the partnership, the companies can jointly deploy the most scalable model of electric
2-wheeler mobility tailored to African markets, which are defined by a high price sensitivity,
intensive usage of up to 300 km per day and in challenging conditions (rough roads), and a
high demand for high performance and durability.
Jason Gras, Co-Founder and CEO of STIMA, says: “The partnership with OneElectric takes
advantage of their high-quality and very strong electric motorcycles and enables STIMA to
bring its battery swapping technology and innovative software services to the Kenyan
market on a national scale. The partnership fits completely into our vision for the future of
mobility in Africa: electric and technology-driven to keep cities on the move and protect the
environment.”
Gaurav Uppal, CEO of One Electric further adds, “After working in the African market for
more than a year, testing products with STIMA in Nairobi, evaluating the local conditions
and riding habits, we were able to produce a motorcycle which can meet Africa’s demand.
Heavy duty chassis, long lasting and durable suspension, metal body, high power motor and
long life battery packs are well suited for delivering a long life for these bikes.”
STIMA estimates there are about 20 million two wheelers on Africa’s roads today, most of
them moto-taxis and delivery riders whose running costs would be greatly decreased by
switching to electric vehicles. This means that riders will earn more money with the same
work they do currently. With STIMA’s battery swapping stations in Nairobi, the company
removes three main barriers for the adoption of electric motorcycles: high upfront battery
costs, long charging times and range anxiety. This creates enormous opportunities for
energy investors.
Emile Fulcheri, CTO of STIMA, says: “The need for energy infrastructure investment for
electric mobility in Africa is in the range of billions. We are building the required tailored
technologies and business models that will ensure these investments are profitable and the
most scalable.”
