February 27, 2025

JAC Motors launches electric truck in South Africa

Chinese automaker JAC Motors has unveiled the X200 EV, a 1.9 tonne single-cab electric truck, in South Africa. The truck, priced at $36,800, is the third in JAC’s lineup of EV trucks, following the introduction of the 4 tonne N75 EV & 2.5 tonne N55 EV. With a fully charged battery, the X200 EV offers a range of up to 230 km.

  • South Africa is experiencing increased demand for EV trucks - whose operational costs are up to 80% cheaper - across all sizes. The X200 EV is targeted at companies that need smaller, cost-effective trucks than JAC’s larger existing EV trucks.

  • EV truck manufacturers are expanding their range of options to give buyers more choices amid increased competition. In South Africa, JAC’s main rivals in electric logistics solutions are Foton and SAIC.

  • Our take: The electric cargo vans and trucks market segment in South Africa is likely to grow faster than electric passenger cars as cost savings for logistics companies are larger… Read more (2 min)

Ride-hailing firm Bolt has transitioned 50% of its Kenyan motorcycle fleet to electric vehicles. It translates to over 500 electric motorcycles the company now operates in Kenya. This was facilitated through M-KOPA, a consumer finance company. Bolt intends to expand its electric motorcycle fleet to 1,500 by the end of 2025.

  • Motorcycle taxis constitute the most prevalent ride-hailing service across the continent. They offer higher profit margins, as they charge lower fares compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycle taxis and present more affordable leasing and acquisition options.

  • The surge in credit financiers across Africa is anticipated to further accelerate the adoption of electric motorcycles. These financiers provide low initial deposits and ongoing after-sales support.

  • Our take: The competitive drive between Bolt and Uber to electrify their fleets is poised to stimulate local e-motorcycle manufacturing and assembly within Africa. .. Read more (2 min)

Chinese luxury SUV manufacturer Rox Motor has signed a deal with Ghana’s Ronor Motors to exclusively distribute its extended range EVs in West Africa. Its flagship model, the Rox 01, is an all-terrain luxury hybrid SUV. The automaker, which has a global reach, currently operates in only two countries in Africa: Egypt & Libya. 

  • There's increasing interest in EVs across Africa, including the luxury segment. Luxury SUVs, in particular, appeal to affluent consumers seeking a combination of performance and comfort.

  • Automakers are currently testing the level of demand for these luxury EV options to grow sales at a time when competition in this segment in their main markets such as the US, Europe, Middle East and Asia is stiff.

  •  Our take: Niche EV manufacturers like ROX are likely to outpace mass-market automakers in Africa… Read more (2 min)

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Felize Dhlamini (on the left), CEO of Green Scooters, poses alongside his company’s electric three wheeler

Events

🗓️ Register for IDTechEx’s webinar on solid-state battery adoption (Mar 19)

🗓️ Attend Africa Energy Indaba’s session on Africa’s e-mobility revolution (Mar 4)

🗓️ Register for Kempower webinar on heavy electric vehicle charging (Mar 5)

Jobs

👨‍💼 Apply for the role of Motion Graphics Designer at MAX(Nigeria)

👨🏻‍💻 Become the next Embedded System Engineer at Spiro (Nigeria)

🛠️ Spearhead Aftersales at Shift EV (Egypt)

Various 

🚗 Chinese EVs make are becoming common in Nigeria as gasoline prices rise

🔌 Rwandan EV users want fast chargers

🚘 The lost Joule EVs will be back for us to admire, but not drive

Seen on LinkedIn 

Jonathan Orlowski, Commercial Analyst, inquires the following in regards to Kenya,”One thing I've always been curious about is the % of battery charging stations charging batteries using renewable sources (e.g. solar panels) vs using the grid which could be a mix of renewable non-renewable sources.”

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