Rwandan e-mobility startup Ampersand has joined forces with BYD, the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, to revolutionize Africa’s motorcycle taxi industry.
This collaboration aims to replace petrol-powered bikes with cleaner, more sustainable electric alternatives.
Africa’s motorcycle taxis are a vital transportation network, but their reliance on fossil fuels contributes significantly to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Ampersand and BYD’s partnership addresses this challenge by introducing affordable, high-performance electric motorcycles.
Ampersand brings its deep understanding of the African market and its innovative battery-swapping technology to the table.
This network allows riders to quickly exchange depleted batteries for charged ones, ensuring uninterrupted service.
BYD contributes its expertise in electric vehicle manufacturing and battery technology.
Their advanced battery cells and large-scale production capabilities will be crucial in accelerating the production of electric motorcycles designed specifically for African conditions.
The shift to electric motorcycles is expected to create new jobs in manufacturing, maintenance, and battery-swapping infrastructure, boosting local economies.
Additionally, electric motorcycles offer significantly lower operating and maintenance costs compared to petrol-powered bikes. This can translate to higher income potential for motorcycle taxi drivers, improving livelihoods and contributing to poverty reduction.
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the leading infrastructure solutions provider in Africa, has announced the successful close of its largest ever debt facility, a $1.16 billion syndicated loan, attracting new lenders from the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
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