A Case for Electric 2 Wheeler Pilot/ Demonstration in Kenya

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This project has received funding from the European Union‘s

Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant

agreement no 875041

Amos MwangiUNEP

The Kenya e-2 wheeler Pilot

• UNEP is implementing a BMU-IKI funded e-mobility

project – Integrating 2&3 wheelers in urban transport

systems in developing countries:

• 3 demonstration projects in East Africa – Ethiopia,

Kenya Uganda

• 3 demonstration projects in South East Asia –

Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam

• Developing electric mobility baseline led by EPRA

• The demonstration vehicles for the Kenya and Uganda

project have been donated by TailG to the demo fleet

operators:

• 49 electric motorcycles in Kenya

• 50 electric motorcycles in Uganda

• The demonstration projects are implemented through

logistical support from Sustainable Transport Africa

SOLUTIONSplus learning programme

Context

• 2008 government policy to zero-rate motorcycles

• Current annual imports of 2 wheelers more than all other vehicle segments

• Largely renewable electricity generation

• 566MW Surplus electricity generation ( 2018)

• Complexity allowing local manufacture

Awareness on e- mobility in urban centres

Sub sector’s impact

The 2&3 wheeler sector contributes significantly to the Kenyan economy

• The 2&3 wheeler sector provides employment to about 400,000 Kenyans

• The sector has significant potential in mitigating youth unemployment

• The manufacturing node of the two- and three-wheeler sector employs more than 3,000 individuals.

• The wholesale and retail node of the two and three-wheeler industry employ a total of 9,206

• Repair and maintenance node of the two and three-wheeler industry employs 36,799 skilled and semiskilled employees

Barrier Removal

• Policy and regulatory barriers

(including standards and incentives)

• Technical barriers ( Vehicle Specs, skills etc. )

• Economic and financial ( financing the transition and macroeconomic impact)

• Awareness for technology acceptance

Assembly and Maintenance Skills

• In February 2021, a workshop to assemble, operate and maintain the electric motorcycles was held in Nairobi

• The demonstration projects launched in March 2021

Demonstration set-up

• Kenya - 49 electric motorcycles are tested in 4 different fleets:

• Karura Forest / Nairobi – received 5 units used by scouts to patrol the forest for illegal loggers

• Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC, utility) –received 15 units used by meter readers distributed across the country

• Kisumu County – received 15 units used by city inspectorate to carry out routine monitoring

• Powerhive – received 13 units used in taxi fleet

Running from April 2020 –April 2021

Technical specs

• Different layouts of the electric motorcycles:

• Hub engine

• Center mounted engine

• Small batteries with useful capacity below 2 kWh

• Engine power: 2000 W

• Expected range: 50 to 60km

• Charging with normal socket

Karura Forest

• Longest trip: 44 km

• Average charge time: 3-5 hours

• Max speed: 55 km/h

• Max weight: 162 kg

• Major challenges:

• Long charging time

• Electrical system faults

• Structural inconsistencies

• Major benefits

• Silence of patrolling

• Fuel cost savings

Use Case: PatrolTerrain: All weather park roadsMinimal elevation change:

Kisumu County

• Average range: 45 km

• Average charge time: 5 hours

• Major challenges: • Long charging time

• Limited maximum speed

• Major benefits• Fuel cost savings

Use Case: Inspectorate Road conditions: largely tarmacminimal elevation change

Kenya Power

• Longest trip: 56 km

• Average range 44 km

• Average charge time: 3 hours

• Major challenges:

• Long charging time

• Limited travel range for this use case

• Major benefits

• Fuel cost savings

• Suitable business case company

Use Case: Meter reading Road conditions: Varying Varying Elevation change

Lessons on the go!

It is a viable technology

Net fuel cost savings

Awareness is higher now need for a charging

solution- battery swapping/ bigger

batteries

Need for modifications for fitness of purpose

Range issues- capital outlay

Progressive Improvements

Opportunities

• Manufacturing potential

• Technical skills – BMS, controller, battery assembly/repair

• Information sharing

• Standards and policy incentives

• Support for innovation

• Gender inclusivity

• Ownership models

Thank YouContributors:

amos.mwangi@un.org

A Case for Electric 2 Wheeler Pilot/ Demonstration in Kenya

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