Car & General is spearheading an initiative to deploy 30 CHAJI electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across Mombasa and Ukunda, aimed at enhancing the adoption of electric three-wheelers, commonly known as tuk-tuks.
This initiative is crucial for Kenya’s transport ecosystem, as electric three-wheelers can significantly reduce emissions and improve urban mobility.
The introduction of these charging stations represents a significant step towards a more sustainable transport future in Kenya.
Electric vehicle adoption in Kenya is on the rise, with the share of electric three-wheelers in new vehicle registrations reaching 1% in 2022, although it dipped slightly to 0.7% in 2023.
Currently, most three-wheelers in Kenya are powered by internal combustion engines, with approximately 99% still relying on fossil fuels.
Electric three-wheelers play a vital role in urban transport, especially in cities like Mombasa, where they are a key mode of transportation.
However, the lack of charging infrastructure remains a significant barrier to widespread EV adoption.
Without sufficient charging stations, potential users may hesitate to transition from traditional vehicles to electric options.
The CHAJI charging stations will be strategically located throughout Mombasa and Ukunda, with the rollout expected to begin shortly.
Car & General has partnered with CHAJI, which specializes in providing innovative charging solutions.
The charging stations will utilize smart socket technology, allowing for efficient and user-friendly charging processes.
This technology ensures that drivers can easily access and use the charging points without complications, making the transition to electric vehicles more appealing.
The introduction of electric three-wheelers can transform urban transport by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution.
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These vehicles are not only environmentally friendly but also provide an effective solution for improving last-mile connectivity in urban areas where traffic congestion is common.
This initiative aligns with similar efforts in other East African cities, such as Dar es Salaam’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which also aims to enhance urban mobility through sustainable transportation options.
The economic implications for local communities are substantial. The deployment of electric three-wheelers can create jobs and stimulate business opportunities related to maintenance and charging services.
Local entrepreneurs may find new avenues for income generation through the establishment of charging hubs or maintenance workshops for electric vehicles.
Environmentally, transitioning to electric vehicles will lead to a significant reduction in emissions and noise pollution, contributing to cleaner air quality in urban centers and promoting healthier living conditions for residents.
There is significant potential for scaling up this initiative across Kenya and beyond. As more cities recognize the benefits of electric mobility, similar projects could emerge in other regions.
However, robust policy support is essential to enhance EV adoption and develop the necessary infrastructure. This includes financial incentives for EV users, such as tax breaks or subsidies, as well as investments in renewable energy sources to power charging stations effectively.
The deployment of CHAJI EV charging stations marks a significant step towards a sustainable transport future for Kenya.
It highlights the importance of transitioning to electric mobility and calls upon stakeholders—including government bodies, private sector players, and communities—to support this initiative for a greener tomorrow.
Stakeholders involved in this project have emphasized the importance of e-mobility solutions in addressing climate change challenges.
As David Chesoni, Managing Director of Car & General, noted: “E-mobility and green energy solutions uptake will cut down emissions thus alleviating challenges of climate change.” Future developments will likely focus on expanding the network of charging stations and enhancing public awareness about the benefits of electric mobility.
