BasiGo, Kenyan company to launch 100 electric buses
BasiGo, Kenyan company is set to launch 100 electric buses after securing Ksh800 million in funding.
On November 15, the motor vehicle corporation said that it had 100 reservations from different matatu stakeholders in the country who wanted to work with them to launch electric bus services.
In order to assist with the implementation of the scheme, BasiGo further stated that charging stations were also being rolled out in the city.
The funding was secured courtesy of Mobility54, Trucks VC, and Novastar Ventures.
“The funding will enable the company to begin commercial delivery of locally manufactured electric buses and charging infrastructure through the company’s unique Pay-As-You-Drive financing model,” read the statement in part.
“BasiGo’s Pay-As-You-Drive model allows owners to purchase an electric bus for a similar upfront cost to a diesel bus,” read the statement in part.
In accordance with the plan, operators pay BasiGo Ksh20 every subscription kilometer, which covers the leasing of the E-Bus battery, charging at BasiGo charge stations, and thorough servicing and maintenance.
The first 15 vehicles are scheduled to launch in January 2023 as part of the rollout of the vehicles.
“BasiGo is already deploying high-power, DC fast-charging stations at strategic locations across Nairobi to support this expanded fleet.
“The company reports that all buses delivered in 2023 will be locally assembled in Kenya,” the company added.
The company aims to roll out 1,000 vehicles by the end of 2025 with other counties also set to benefit.
“In the future, when we begin delivering to customers operating routes outside of Nairobi, we will expand the reach of our charging network beyond the city,” BasiGo CEO, Jit Bhattacharya stated.
Since launching its operations in March, the company has ferried 140,000 passengers following its fleet operations with Citi Hoppa and East Shuttle.
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