NAIROBI, Kenya- CFAO Motors Kenya is powering forward in the electric mobility space, leaving behind last year’s hybrid models in favor of fully electric vehicles.
The automotive giant has partnered with its leasing and fleet management subsidiary, Loxea, to introduce BYD electric vehicles (EVs) to the Kenyan market.
With Loxea acting as the official distributor of BYD, this move signals not only a fresh chapter for the dealer but also a significant milestone in Kenya’s transition to greener transportation options.
Kenya’s electric vehicle market has been rapidly expanding, especially over the last two years, as local and international players enter the fray.
From startups to major global brands, the race to offer cost-effective, eco-friendly transportation is heating up. CFAO Motors and Loxea are betting on Kenya’s growing appetite for EVs, spurred on by government policies that promote green energy.
Loxea’s Managing Director, Jennifer Kinyoe, explained that the company’s foray into EVs is part of a bigger picture.
“Our vision is to lead in Kenya’s evolving mobility ecosystem by offering a full suite of services for electric cars. This includes charging stations, maintenance, repair, and spare parts,” Kinyoe stated.
This comprehensive approach sets Loxea apart, ensuring customers not only get access to electric vehicles but also the infrastructure and support needed to maintain them.
Kenya’s government is also pushing hard to make electric vehicles a cornerstone of its sustainability goals. Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya emphasized that the government aims to reduce carbon emissions by 32pc by 2030.
EVs, with their lower emissions and reliance on Kenya’s underutilized electricity grid, are key to achieving this target. “Our electricity demand peaks are lower than our generation capacity, making off-peak charging a viable option for widespread EV adoption,” Mvurya highlighted.
This favorable policy environment is attracting a host of competitors. Roam, a pioneer in Kenya’s EV space, is focused on converting traditional combustion vehicles to electric and is making strides in electric motorcycles and buses.
Meanwhile, Kenyan startup Kiri EV is catering to urban commuters with electric motorcycles, with plans to ramp up production to meet the growing demand in the delivery and boda boda sectors.
The surge of competition doesn’t stop there. Autopax has brought Nissan’s popular electric model, the Leaf, to Kenya, offering customers another well-known option.
And while Tesla doesn’t officially sell its vehicles in Kenya, a niche market has emerged, with affluent individuals importing the brand’s high-performance cars despite the premium cost.
Kenya’s electric vehicle market is about creating a holistic system that supports the growing number of EVs on the road. And with players like Loxea making bold moves, the future of electric mobility in Kenya looks charged and ready to roll.
CFAO Motors’ decision to embrace fully electric vehicles marks a turning point in the country’s journey toward green energy. With more options available and increasing support from both the public and private sectors, Kenya’s mobility ecosystem is charging up for a cleaner, more efficient future.
