This collaboration aims to expand the availability of sustainable charging infrastructure, enabling the faster and more efficient growth of Ampersand’s electric motorcycle fleet across East Africa.

Founded in 2016, Ampersand focuses on assembling and financing electric motorcycles that are more affordable and efficient than the traditional petrol-powered alternatives.

With over five million petrol motorcycles operating in East Africa, Ampersand’s electric vehicles present a greener and more cost-effective solution.

Since launching commercially in May 2019, the company has grown its fleet to more than 3,400 electric motorcycles, with plans to exceed 10,000 by the end of 2024.

The partnership with CrossBoundary Energy will provide renewable electricity at a lower tariff for charging Ampersand’s electric motorcycles, supporting the company’s rapid and sustainable scaling efforts.

Ampersand will handle battery maintenance and manage its charging stations, while CrossBoundary Energy will pilot financing and owning the charging infrastructure and batteries at one of Ampersand’s swap stations in Nairobi.

The pilot phase will feature 36 electric charging units and 150 lithium-ion batteries, powered by a 37kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system.

The solar-powered setup will ensure affordable, clean energy for Ampersand’s electric motorbikes, further reducing carbon emissions in the region.

CrossBoundary Energy, known for its expertise in delivering distributed renewable energy solutions, sees this partnership as an entry point into the e-mobility sector.

“This launch is exciting for many reasons – firstly, it marks the start of CrossBoundary Energy’s foray into the e-mobility sector, where we aim to accelerate private investment and drive growth. Secondly, working with Ampersand, a partner with a proven track record and ambitious plans for East Africa, allows us to contribute significantly to their scaling efforts,” said Tombo Banda, Managing Director and Head of CrossBoundary’s Innovation Lab.