Kenya’s electric vehicle market has historically lagged in adoption, though the electric bus segment has experienced notable growth through innovative service models. BasiGo pioneered a pay-as-you-drive approach that separates battery ownership from vehicle purchase, allowing transport operators to access buses at costs comparable to diesel alternatives while paying subscription fees for energy bundles that include charging, maintenance, and roadside assistance.
As electric bus fleets expand, the supporting charging infrastructure is expected to become available for public use. Industry analysts note that adequate charging infrastructure is critical for addressing range anxiety concerns that inhibit EV adoption. The growing electric bus network provides a foundation for this infrastructure development, as a fleet-anchored charging business model offers better utilization rates than standalone infrastructure in markets with low EV penetration.
BasiGo has recently established a partnership with Rubis Energy Kenya to expand fast-charging capabilities along major transport corridors. The first charging station under this collaboration is operational at the Rubis fuel service station in Sabaki, Athi River, with additional locations in Meru, Nanyuki, and Nyeri scheduled for commissioning later this month. These public-access stations will serve electric buses, vans, trucks, passenger vehicles, and other compatible electric vehicles.
The charging infrastructure features both CCS2 and GB/T DC fast chargers with 100kW capacity, capable of charging typical passenger vehicles in under one hour. Charging will be available at a rate of KES 48 per kWh across all partnership sites. The dual charging standard reflects the market’s evolving vehicle import patterns, with increasing numbers of Chinese vehicles supplementing the traditionally European-sourced fleet.
The partnership represents collaboration between traditional fuel retail operators and EV infrastructure providers. Rubis operates over 300 fuel stations in Kenya with additional presence across East and Southern Africa, while BasiGo maintains one of the region’s largest DC fast-charging networks. Industry observers view such partnerships as signals that established energy players are recognizing the transition opportunity, potentially accelerating infrastructure deployment across the region.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI