Electrifying Africa’s roads with catalytic distributed renewable energy

Africa’s surging e-mobility demand & opportunities

Persistent Energy’s 2022 report highlighted the region’s demand for two-wheelers, estimating motorbike imports at triple the rate of cars. As e-mobility demand surges, McKinsey projects E2Ws could represent up to 70% of total EV sales in Africa by 2040. But, a critical question remains: How can these markets create the infrastructure, policies, and ecosystems to accelerate E2W adoption? The answer may lie in an unexpected synergy – distributed renewable energy. 

The shift to electric two-wheelers presents an unprecedented opportunity for Africa. E2Ws promise significant cost savings, a critical factor for drivers operating on thin margins. Fuel, traditionally the largest operating expense, becomes far less burdensome with electric alternatives. The efficiency is jolting: electric bikes are cost-effective and have lower maintenance needs due to simpler designs. This makes E2Ws an increasingly attractive proposition for Africa’s transportation challenges.  

For Africa’s burgeoning youth population, motorcycles are more than just vehicles; they are economic lifelines. The region is grappling with high youth unemployment – the 2023 youth NEET (not in employment, education, or training) rate in sub-Saharan Africa stood at 21.9%, surpassing the global average of 20.4% (ILO 2024). The motorcycle industry offers a vital source of livelihood. In Kenya alone, it’s estimated that the boda boda (motorcycle taxi) sector employs about 1.5 million people, contributing an impressive Ksh 202 billion ($1.8 billion) to the economy annually. 

Energizing the revolution through renewable energy

Innovative companies are already capitalizing on this opportunity. Ampersand, a pioneer in Kenya and Rwanda, offers a glimpse into the future of African e-mobility. Their model combines a commercial e-motorcycle fleet with a scalable battery-swapping network. Riders using Ampersand’s pay-as-you-drive e-motors can swap depleted batteries for fully charged ones in under two minutes, paying only for the energy used. This system eliminates range anxiety and long charging times, two significant barriers to E2W adoption. 

However, grid reliability and availability remain a concern. That is why the true game-changer lies in the marriage of E2Ws with distributed renewable energy systems. In regions where grid electricity is unreliable or non-existent, renewable energy sources like solar power, themselves inherently decentralized and self-reliant, promote energy independence and reduce fossil fuel reliance. 

To demonstrate this concept, CrossBoundary Energy is supplying Ampersand with solar-powered charging stations for electric bikesthat will see 36 charging units powered by a 37kWp solar PV system, along with 150 lithium-ion batteries ready to roll at strategically placed swap stations in Nairobi. With nearly 1,000 e-bikes already cruising the streets, distributed renewable energy can enable Ampersand to expand even faster and more sustainably. As the demand for e-bikes increases, this partnership promises to deliver reliable, affordable charging solutions that can cut carbon emissions while fueling growth.  

The development of renewable energy infrastructure for e-mobility creates a ripple effect of economic benefits. It generates jobs across the value chain—from manufacturing and installation to the maintenance of solar assets—stimulating overall economic growth in communities. This multifaceted approach addresses the immediate challenges of e-mobility adoption and lays the groundwork for a more sustainable and equitable transportation sector across Africa. 

Funding innovations, coupled with the inherent flexibility of distributed renewable energy (DRE), can overcome key obstacles to renewable energy adoption. Financing and deploying renewable-led charging infrastructure requires substantial investment—estimated at billions of dollars across the continent—which remains a hurdle to large-scale rollout. Companies like CrossBoundary Energy are removing the burden of providing capital for the development of charging infrastructure for e-mobility users and providers. Doing so ensures that infrastructure costs are not passed on – users and operators only pay for the energy they use. Secondly, aggregation across operators could accelerate the movement to interoperability. 

Accelerating E2W adoption in Africa

In complement to the developing charging infrastructure, a favorable policy environment is vital to unlocking the full potential of E2Ws and other e-mobility solutions. Supportive regulations and incentives can encourage investment in infrastructure and technology. Additionally, innovative financing models are essential for scaling viable business ideas. By minimizing capital expenditure requirements for charging infrastructure, companies can focus on operational expenses, enabling off-balance-sheet growth. Operators can also focus on core business outcomes such as growing their customer base and footprint. This approach drives expansion while enhancing sustainability within the sector. 

E-mobility and e-bikes offer transformative potential for African urban transportation and economic growth. Their expansion requires supportive policies and strategic investments in both e-mobility and renewable energy infrastructure. Advancing innovation and sustainability in electric mobility can maximize its potential, leading to cleaner and more efficient urban environments. With proper support, e-bikes in Africa can revolutionize urban mobility and drive sustainable development.