The 2024 Kayoola EVS – Championing the E-Mobility Evolution in Uganda

Kayoola – Championing the E-Mobility Evolution in Uganda

Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) is taking the lead in creating a sustainable path for Africa’s automotive industry through its eco-friendly Kayoola EVS e-buses that are locally manufactured and tailor-made for the African market.

In a move to accelerate the uptake of e-mobility, the Company dispatched eight new Kayoola EVS buses in June. The e-buses were transported from Luwero Industries Limited in Nakasongola to the KMC’s newly constructed vehicle plant in Jinja.

The Kayoola EVS buses can cover a nominal distance of 200 km and can move up to 280 km when supervised and controlled. On their dispatch journey, the buses covered a distance of 260 km on a single charge and only consumed 65% of charge. This 65% consumption translates into a monetary value of UGX 94,600 for each bus based on the price per kWh.?

This can further translate to a typical saving of about $10,000 in economic cost of energy annually (Briceno-Garmendia, et al., 2023) with the use of more energy-efficient buses.?

The new buses are built to offer comfort, convenience, and efficiency with unique high-tech features such as CCTV cameras, E-ticketing and Cashless Payment Systems, automatic doors, and an ample carrying capacity for 56 passengers with accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PWD). The 8-meter Kayoola EVS boasts a beautiful and colourful interior with a modern exterior design.

These 8 Kayoola – Championing the E-Mobility Evolution in Ugandae-buses are only a fraction of KMC’s state-of-the-art Ugandan-made eco-friendly buses. Their growing portfolio also features a range of 10-meter and 12-meter e-buses and an executive e-coach.?

While the e-buses are designed majorly for transportation within urban centers, the e-coach is designed for long-distance travel and also features a luxurious exterior and interior fitted with USB charging, executive seats, tray tables, air conditioning, and reading lights.?

The e-mobility manufacturer continues to make admirable strides in line with Africa’s transport industry as it sets out plans to expand its portfolio of electric buses as well as upgrade its current charging network to 13 fast charging stations by the end of 2024.?

With over 1 billion people relying on public transport in Africa, improving overall mobility and accessibility in a way that is sustainable and innovative remains significant, (Agyei-Boakye, 2022).

This is particularly driven by Africa’s growing urban population rate that is expected to double by 2050 thus requiring cities to manage congestion and additionally reduce carbon emissions in their public transport systems.??

A rising urbanization rate will enhance the uptake of KMC’s Kayoola EVS buses for public transportation as their e-buses will not only reduce congestion in urban centers but also substantially reduce carbon emissions.?

In addition, the government also plans to enhance the uptake of locally manufactured electric vehicles through tax incentives that will see KMC’s clients save up to 30% in Value Added Tax (VAT), environmental levies, and associated levies making them the more economic choice as compared to importing one as envisioned in the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda initiative.?

Since its inception, KMC has proven its readiness to meet Uganda and Africa’s demand for eco-friendly and sustainable e-mobility vehicles through its robust quality testing and inspection mechanism, an equipped service center, fast charging stations, a training program for drivers and mechanics that will ease the transition to eco-friendly mobility and a green Africa.?

The corporation continues to be at the forefront of Africa’s development agenda and regional integration through its sustainable e-mobility solutions for the transport industry.?

To place your order, follow this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyPSjaUtovpHSh4ShmdTczKvDwlMqNiIRRj79A0kfjZHWj7w/viewform , call +256 393 517 888 or send an email to: [email protected] .

Briceno-Garmendia, C., Qiao, W., & Foster, V. (2023). The Economics of Electric Vehicles for Passenger Transportation. Sustainable Infrastructure Series. Washington DC: World Bank.?

Agyei-Boakye, O.P. (2022). Transportation and Travel Trends in Africa. https://www.transportafrica.org/transportation-and-travel-trends-in-africa/ ?