The first-ever electric public mass transit bus service in Nairobi has officially begun operations, according to Roam. The one-year pilot project seeks to provide a dependable, sustainable, effective, and contemporary mass transit solution in order to meet the specific difficulties associated with public transportation.
One of the main producers of greenhouse gas emissions in Kenya is the transportation industry. Kenya’s transportation industry is responsible for 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions. The transport industry is responsible for about 40% of CO2 emissions. At 25% of all illness incidences in Kenya, disorders of the respiratory system are among the primary causes of morbidity. Kenya’s amended Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets to reduce emissions by 32% in comparison to the 143 MtCO2eq emissions under the business as usual scenario. To address this, the adoption of electric transportation must be accelerated.
Kenya is already promoting the switch to electric mobility, supported by a number of progressive legislation. By 2025, the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (NEECS) of 2020 wants at least 5% of all vehicles imported each year to be electric. Some of the important legislative actions fostering the development of an enabling environment include the Energy Act of 2019, the Finance Act of 2019, the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCAAP) 2018–2022, and the Green Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan 2016–2030.
Kenya’s overall power output increased by 7.0% in 2021 to 12,414.7 GWh. The good news is that renewable energy sources produced 89.6% of this electricity! Electric vehicles with zero exhaust emissions will significantly improve the air quality in Kenya’s urban centers when coupled with a highly green grid. One of the finest ways to encourage the provision of secure, dependable, clean, sustainable, and effective transportation for commuters is the introduction of large capacity electric buses.
Roam motors is a pioneer in electric mobility on the continent of Africa. Today, Roam announced the historic opening of Nairobi’s first-ever electric public mass transit system. The one-year pilot project’s goal is to provide a dependable, eco-friendly, effective, and cutting-edge mass transit option in order to meet the particular difficulties faced by public transportation. In the near future, production and operations will be scaled up using the knowledge gained during this time.
The Thika Superhighway, Mombasa Road, and Waiyaki Way are some of the busiest routes in Nairobi, and these are the initial routes that the 77-passenger Roam Rapid will travel on. Currently, the bus travels to Juja from Fire Station Lane in the Central Business District. The prices will be comparable to those that other bus companies in the sector now impose.
The Roam Rapid’s specifications are as follows:
Roaming Mass Transit Requirements:
384 kWh of battery capacity Distance: 360 kilometers Dimensions (LxHxW): 12500x3300x2550 mm Maximum speed: 70 km/h Number of seats: 77 18,000 kilograms Time for fastest charging: 2 hours DC rapid recharging Features:
climate control for further comfort Easy access through low-floor entry with kneeling capability wheelchair ramp and large doors Added legroom for comfort four seats with preference for the elderly or those with impairments triple-sized double doors This launch is the first step toward Roam’s goal of having hundreds of electric buses lining city streets by 2023. The Nairobi Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) procurement, which would involve the deployment of 100 buses onto Kenyan roadways, is the initial aim. The Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NaMATA) released a request for proposals in February 2022 for an international competitive bid for the leasing of 100 BRT buses with clean energy propulsion for Phase 1 operations.
The 384 kWh battery of the Roam Rapid bus allows it to go 360 km on a single charge in an urban cycle. This is significant because, depending on the timetable of the operator, the bus may operate continuously without a top-up fee. To accommodate complete charges and top-ups, two DC 180kW chargers have already been installed in Roam’s warehouse. There will be more DC chargers added very soon.
“At Roam, we seek to provide access to comfortable, equitable, and dependable public transport to transfer the masses to electric public transit in Nairobi,” says Dennis Wakaba, project coordinator.
At the launch, a number of significant participants were present, including executives from Kenya Power , the national power utility company. Managing Director (Ag) Eng. Geoffrey Muli of Kenya Power was represented by Eng. Rosemary Odour, General Manager of Commercial Sales and Services. For the benefit of investors, Kenya Power has established a liaison office. Through this office, Kenya Power collaborates with stakeholders like Roam to assist the growth of the ecosystem for electric mobility.
It is obvious that Kenya is serious about electric mobility, according to Eng. Odour. Therefore, it is not surprising that both domestic and foreign investors are investing in this market. Additionally, banks are establishing specialized credit lines to help the industry, which is backing for the promise made by the e-mobility industry.
Compared to their diesel counterparts, electric buses require a great deal less maintenance. Switching to electric also lowers operational expenses by up to 50% as a result of rising fuel prices. By doing this, bus operators may maximize operations while paying less for maintenance.
According to Roam, these operator-side cost savings may subsequently be transferred to the average commuter, providing reasonable and cost-friendly journeys. Mobility is the cornerstone for a society’s entire growth since it provides people with access to jobs, markets, social amenities, and health care, according to the Siemens Stiftung’s “ Testing E-Mobility Business Models at WE Hub Victoria Limited in Kenya ” field report. Furthermore, mobility itself generates jobs.
Many African nations, where the vast majority of the population lacks access to dependable transportation, might benefit greatly from the availability of affordable and dependable transportation services. The expansion of mass transit options, especially greener ones like high-capacity electric buses, will be a crucial driver of economic growth. Electric large capacity buses are becoming more prevalent all over the world. It’s encouraging that these high capacity bus initiatives are just getting started in this region of the world.
Images from Roam and Kenya Power
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