Kenya Power Leads the Charge Towards Electric Mobility with Free Charging Stations
Kenya Power, a leading player in the nation’s energy sector, has taken a bold step towards embracing sustainable transportation with the installation of two free electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Nairobi. Located at strategic points in Stima Plaza and Ruaraka, these stations signal a significant move towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting green technology in the city.
The unveiling of these charging stations by Kenya Power’s CEO, Joseph Siror, underscores the company’s commitment to investing in e-mobility infrastructure. With an investment of KSh 6.5 million for the Stima Plaza station alone, Kenya Power is paving the way for a future where electric vehicles play a central role in urban transportation.
Accessible to the public, EV owners can utilize these charging stations free of charge by obtaining an RFID card from Kenya Power’s security desks at the designated locations. The stations are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a 50 kW DC charger capable of providing a full charge in just one hour, and a 22 kW AC charger with a charging time of two hours. This convenience ensures that EV owners can power up their vehicles efficiently while contributing to a cleaner environment.
Moreover, Kenya Power’s investment doesn’t stop at charging stations. The company has announced a substantial commitment of KSh 258 million over the next three years to drive the adoption of electric vehicles. This initiative includes expanding the electric vehicle fleet with the procurement of nine additional electric vehicles, both heavy and light-duty, as well as 25 electric motorcycles by the end of December 2024.
In a parallel move towards sustainable transportation, industry players are also stepping up to make electric mobility more accessible. Bolt, a prominent digital taxi-hailing firm, has partnered with M-KOPA, a digital financing firm, to provide affordable financing options for electric motorcycles. This partnership aims to enable boda boda operators to acquire electric bikes for as low as KSh 10,000, significantly lowering both ownership and operational costs.
The introduction of electric motorcycles not only benefits drivers financially but also contributes to reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. With electric motorcycles offering savings of up to 40% on total ownership costs and up to 75% on operation costs compared to petrol bikes, this transition holds immense potential for a greener, more sustainable future.
As Kenya embraces electric mobility, initiatives like Kenya Power’s free charging stations and Bolt-M-KOPA’s electric motorcycle financing partnership are pivotal in driving widespread adoption. By investing in infrastructure and incentivizing the transition to electric vehicles, stakeholders are not only embracing innovation but also laying the groundwork for a cleaner, more sustainable transportation ecosystem for generations to come.
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