This project has received funding from the European Union‘s
Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant
agreement no 875041
A Case for Electric 2 Wheeler Pilot/ Demonstration in Kenya
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
SOLUTIONSplus learning programme
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
SOLUTIONSplus learning programme
Use Case: PatrolTerrain: All weather park roadsMinimal elevation change:
Kisumu County
• Average range: 45 km
• Average charge time: 5 hours
• Max speed: 68 km/h
• Max weight: 174 kg
• Major challenges: • Long charging time
• Limited maximum speed
• Major benefits• Fuel cost savings
SOLUTIONSplus learning programme
Use Case: Inspectorate Road conditions: largely tarmacminimal elevation change
Kenya Power
• Longest trip: 56 km
• Average range 44 km
• Average charge time: 3 hours
• Max speed: 72 km/h
• Max weight: 118 kg
• Major challenges:
• Long charging time
• Limited travel range for this use case
• Major benefits
• Fuel cost savings
• Suitable business case company
SOLUTIONSplus learning programme
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
