As part of its efforts to provide sustainable energy to public transportation, the Swedish-Kenyan business Opibus has introduced the first African-designed and made electric bus in Kenya.
Opibus, Kenya’s first electric motorcycle manufacturer, wants to launch the bus commercially in the middle of this year and introduce it to markets across Africa by 2023.
“I feel privileged driving this vehicle. It is also very amazing when you are driving this vehicle compared to the fossil fuel vehicles, considering there is a lot of vibration on fossil fuel vehicles and also a lot of noise. But with this vehicle, it’s quite silent and very sleek,” said Benjamin Maina, one of the first drivers to drive the fully electric bus manufactured by Opibus.
The introduction of electric buses by Opibus is aimed at reducing carbon emissions in Nairobi and other African cities.
“This electric bus is really (an) important first step in the transition from fossil fuel vehicles to electric clean mobility. And I think we are really showing precedence being the first movers in this market with a bus that is even locally developed,” said Albin Wilson, the chief of strategy and marketing at Opibus.
Christopher Maina, a Nairobi local, recounted his experience riding an electric bus as a passenger.
“This ride today is one of a kind, having travelled in an electric vehicle,” he remarked. It’s just nice; there are no noises and no smell like there are with combustion engines. So being in this vehicle is just wonderful and awesome.”
In Nairobi, the automobile business is testing ten of its buses to ensure that the product is tailored to the needs of the region.
