Chinese manufacturers of electric buses have propelled BasiGo, a Kenya-based company, towards sustainability while catalyzing Rwanda’s shift towards eco-friendly transportation. Since the launch of pilot electric buses in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, in collaboration with city authorities, approximately three months ago, BasiGo has been pioneering this transformative initiative, following a successful introduction in Nairobi, Kenya.
BasiGo imports fully assembled electric buses from China and partners with three public transport operators in Rwanda. The pilot phase, led by Doreen Orishaba, the company’s managing director, has garnered significant success, impressing customers previously unfamiliar with the company’s brand.
Orishaba remarked, “The pilot has truly exceeded our expectations. We initially aimed to run it for three months, and within this short period, bus operators have recognized the advantages of transitioning to eco-friendly options. We have already received orders for 132 units, with more operators expressing interest. The market’s enthusiasm for these electric buses is truly remarkable.”
The success of BasiGo’s venture can be attributed to several factors, including collaboration with innovative Chinese firms and the ease of scalability facilitated by importing fully assembled buses. Orishaba emphasized China’s leadership in battery technology, a pivotal component of their business, and praised the competitive pricing offered by Chinese manufacturers.
With a fully charged range of 300 kilometers and strategically placed charging points across the capital, BasiGo aims to deploy 100 buses in Kigali within the next 12 months and 200 buses within two years, each capable of accommodating 70 passengers. Orishaba articulated the company’s mission to revolutionize public transport through electrification, expressing excitement about Rwanda’s potential in this endeavor.
Rwanda’s government has been actively promoting electric transportation, offering incentives such as tax exemptions for electric and hybrid vehicles and favorable tariffs for charging infrastructure. Despite this supportive environment, the introduction of electric buses was unprecedented until BasiGo’s entry into the market.
BasiGo’s electric buses offer significant cost savings compared to traditional diesel-powered counterparts. The company employs a leasing model combined with a pay-as-you-drive financing scheme, covering electricity costs, maintenance, and tracking services, thus making electric buses more affordable for operators.
Drivers and passengers alike praise the environmental and economic benefits of BasiGo’s electric buses. Drivers report lower operating costs and improved reliability, while passengers appreciate the quiet and comfortable ride, equipped with amenities such as mobile phone charging ports and internet access.
Orishaba highlighted the environmental impact of BasiGo’s initiative, estimating that each electric bus mitigates up to 30 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. Despite the challenges associated with setting up charging infrastructure, particularly in remote areas, the company remains committed to its mission of fostering a cleaner, more sustainable transportation ecosystem in Rwanda.
