BYD, one of the world’s leading electric car manufacturers, is making significant strides in the electric motorcycle market. The company has decided to partner with Ampersand, an electric motorcycle startup operating in Rwanda and Kenya, to make sustainable mobility more accessible.
Ampersand has been at the forefront of providing affordable electric motorcycles, especially in regions where gasoline and diesel are both expensive and scarce. In East Africa, motorbike taxis, known as “boda bodas,” play a crucial role in daily transportation and provide a source of income for many. However, the rising fuel costs and high maintenance expenses of traditional motorcycles have posed challenges for these operators.
electric motorcycle while wearing a yellow reflective vest outside a wooden building, showcasing the growing popularity of electric motorcycles in East Africa." class="wp-image-11270" srcset="https://d2xsxph8kpxj0f.cloudfront.net/310419663029240670/MExNgyK3EDQFvwfdNPoGYm/blog-images/African-motorbike-with-a-swappable-battery-850x455-1.jpg 850w, https://d2xsxph8kpxj0f.cloudfront.net/310419663029240670/MExNgyK3EDQFvwfdNPoGYm/blog-images/African-motorbike-with-a-swappable-battery-850x455-1-768x411.jpg 768w, https://d2xsxph8kpxj0f.cloudfront.net/310419663029240670/MExNgyK3EDQFvwfdNPoGYm/blog-images/African-motorbike-with-a-swappable-battery-850x455-1-600x321.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px" loading="lazy" />Electric motorcycles offer a practical solution. They are quieter, cheaper to maintain, and contribute to better air quality. Ampersand has already established itself as a key player, boasting the largest electric motorcycle fleet in East Africa. The company aims to produce over 10,000 units before the end of 2024.
BYD is stepping in to help Ampersand achieve its ambitious goals by supplying its battery cells. This collaboration is expected to significantly boost production, with a target of 40,000 electric motorcycles by the end of 2026.
While BYD is primarily known for its electric cars, it also plays a critical role in the broader battery technology space. The company supplies batteries to major brands like Ford and GM and has been a pioneer in battery innovations for years.
Stay tuned for more updates from the world of electric mobility.
