Africa is undergoing a quiet revolution in its transport sector. Countries across the continent are increasingly turning to electric vehicles (EVs) to tackle urban congestion, pollution, and rising fuel costs. From electric buses in Nigeria to motorbikes in Rwanda, the shift toward transport electrification is gaining momentum, driven by innovative startups and forward-thinking policies.
Nigeria’s Nev Motors, Kenya’s BaisiGo, and Rwanda’s Ampersand are some of the biggest pioneers. These companies stand out not just for the scale of their achievements but also for their transformative impact on public transportation in their countries.
The recent delivery of 100 electric buses by Nev Motors to Possible EVS is a landmark moment, representing the largest single deployment of electric mass transit vehicles by any company in Africa. This proves Aftica’s growing appetite for large-scale electrification projects, with NEV Motors’ bold approach to mass transit solutions setting a new benchmark.
But NEV Motors is not the only company making commendable progress in local transport electrification. In East Africa, Kenya’s BasiGo has made impressive strides in integrating electric buses into Nairobi’s public transport system. Since launching in early 2022 with a pilot of two electric buses, the company has expanded its fleet to over 28 vehicles operating across the city.
These buses have collectively covered over 1.6 million kilometers and transported more than 2.5 million passengers. BasiGo’s focus on smaller fleets has proven the viability of electric mass transit systems in African cities.
Similarly, Ghana’s Solar Taxi has focused on introducing electric taxis and motorbikes, providing affordable leasing options to urban commuters. This initiative has been pivotal in popularizing EVs at the grassroots level. And in Rwanda, Ampersand has achieved remarkable success with electric motorbikes, deploying thousands across East Africa. Their model has proven particularly effective for last-mile delivery and ride-hailing services. Their localized impact highlights the distinction between niche electrification and the broader, citywide transformations championed by companies like Nev Motors.
South Africa’s Agilitee has also made waves with its electric scooters and utility vehicles, targeting urban mobility and utility markets with their delivery scooters. While their innovation in personal mobility is commendable, it’s a different playing field from Nev Motors’ focus on electric buses, which address Africa’s most pressing transportation needs at scale.
What sets Nev Motors apart isn’t just the size of its fleet but its holistic approach to sustainability and local impact. The company’s electric buses are equipped with advanced battery technology and efficient powertrains, designed to withstand the unique conditions of African cities. From heat resilience to passenger comfort, every feature reflects a commitment to innovation that is both practical and forward-looking.
The partnership between Nev Motors and Possible EVS, a Nigerian leader in EV adoption, exemplifies how collaboration can drive change. Together, they are transforming public transit in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, setting a precedent for other nations to follow. Their efforts demonstrate that large-scale electrification projects are not only feasible but also critical for building sustainable urban transport systems.
Africa’s journey toward transport electrification is a story of innovation, resilience, and ambition. Companies like Nev Motors, BasiGo, Solar Taxi, Ampersand, and Agilitee are showing that EVs can address diverse mobility needs across the continent.
As cities across the continent face mounting challenges from pollution and traffic congestion, the shift to electric vehicles offers a path to cleaner, more efficient urban mobility. Nev Motors, with its bold vision and unmatched scale, is shaping this transition.
