BasiGo targets 15 new charging stations in Kenya

From the newsletter

BasiGo, an East Africa-based electric bus manufacturer, is planning to set up 15 charging stations in Nairobi, Machakos, Kiambu and Kajiado counties in Kenya. The company has invited property owners with at least 2,000 square-metres of space in the selected locations for bids to host the charging stations. 

• BasiGo will set up the stations along Mombasa Road, Embakasi, Athi River, Kitengela, Ongata Rongai, Ngong, Kiambu Road, Utawala and the Central Business District (CBD). Other locations include Nyayo Stadium, Wangige, Sunton, Mwiki, Kamiti and Kahawa West.  

• The charging stations will operate 24 hours a day, serving both BasiGo buses and other electric vehicles. To ensure sufficient power supply for the high energy demands of EV charging stations, the sites should be located within 3 km of primary PSV routes and 100 metres of an 11 kV high-voltage grid line if a transformer is not already installed. 

More details

• Currently, BasiGo operates three charging stations in Nairobi, located in Embakasi, Kikuyu, and Buruburu (satellite towns serving major routes in Nairobi), with the Buruburu station capable of charging up to six buses simultaneously. These stations primarily support BasiGo's electric bus fleet, which currently comprises 41 buses. The company's strategic focus on expanding its charging infrastructure aligns with its plan to deploy 1,000 electric buses in Kenya.

• Kenyan companies are rapidly seeking EV charging hubs to support the country’s growing electric mobility sector. For instance, EV Chaja has strategically installed chargers in commercial locations such as shopping malls, ensuring accessibility for EV users. Meanwhile, ARC Ride is actively seeking battery swap station partners, with most installations being set up at petrol stations to provide convenient recharging options for electric two- and three-wheelers. This trend highlights a shift towards integrating EV infrastructure into everyday commercial and transport hubs.

• BasiGo has prioritised routes where key bus operators have already begun integrating electric buses into their fleets. Operators such as Embassava Sacco, Rembo Classic, Super Metro, and Metro Trans have each acquired multiple e-buses, demonstrating a commitment to decarbonising their services. This targeted approach ensures effective utilisation of the charging infrastructure and supports operators actively transitioning to electric mobility.

• Commercial property owners hosting BasiGo's charging stations stand to benefit by transforming their spaces into revenue-generating hubs. These stations attract consistent traffic from electric bus operators and other EV users, potentially increasing footfall and business opportunities for on-site services. Additionally, partnering with BasiGo aligns property owners with sustainable initiatives, enhancing their corporate social responsibility profiles.

• This strategy offers significant advantages to electric bus operators by providing reliable and conveniently located charging facilities. Access to well-placed charging stations ensures that buses can maintain operational schedules without extensive downtime for recharging. Moreover, BasiGo's infrastructure allows operators to focus on service delivery while benefiting from the efficiencies of electric transportation.

• The requirements for establishing these charging stations are designed to ensure operational efficiency and scalability. A minimum space of 2,000 square-metres is necessary to accommodate multiple buses and facilitate easy manoeuvring. Proximity within 3 km of primary PSV routes ensures accessibility for buses during regular operations. Access to an 11 kV high-voltage grid line within 100 metres is crucial to meet the high energy demands of fast-charging electric buses, ensuring quick turnaround times and minimal service disruption.

• BasiGo’s model leverages Kenya’s national grid as the primary energy source for its charging stations. This approach is advantageous as the Kenyan grid is predominantly powered by renewable energy sources, with reports indicating that 90% of its energy comes from renewables.

• BasiGo’s strategy is similar to that of Rubicon in South Africa, which is actively expanding its EV charging network. Rubicon offers both AC and DC electric vehicle chargers for commercial entities and has played a key role in rolling out charging infrastructure across South Africa. Both companies focus on establishing charging stations along key routes to support the growing number of electric vehicles.

• However, BasiGo’s approach differs from that of companies like Charge in South Africa, which integrates off-grid solar solutions into its charging infrastructure. Charge’s model addresses grid reliability challenges by providing sustainable charging options independent of the national grid. In contrast, BasiGo capitalises on Kenya’s renewable-rich grid, ensuring a stable and green energy supply for its charging stations.

Our take

• The expansion of BasiGo’s charging infrastructure presents significant opportunities for businesses involved in the supply, installation, and maintenance of EV chargers and battery energy storage systems in Kenya and across Africa. As demand for electric buses increases, so does the need for reliable charging solutions, creating a growing market for service providers in this sector.

• Fleet operators, such as Golden Arrow Bus Service in South Africa, can draw valuable lessons from BasiGo’s approach as they deploy their first 20 electric buses. Establishing strategically located charging stations along primary routes ensures operational efficiency and minimises downtime. Collaborating with local stakeholders, including property owners and utility providers, can facilitate the seamless integration of electric buses into existing transport networks.