January 22, 2025

PURE EV to sell 60,000 electric motorcycles to Africa

Indian electric two-wheeler manufacturer PURE EV is targeting to sell 60,000 units to Africa in the next 2 years. Less than 30,000 of the units are sold in Africa annually. In 2024, the company partnered with Arva Electric to expand into the Middle East and Africa. It is one of the major automakers in India targeting Africa’s rising EV demand. 

  • The company sells 4 new models, but the most popular are Etryst 350, EPluto 7G and EcoDryft. Its most expensive electric motorcycle is the Etryst 350 which is priced at $1,500 while the lowest priced model is the ETrance Neo which costs $856 Electric motorcycle prices in Africa vary widely depending on the country. But costs range from $1,500 while some cost more than $2,050. 

  • Electric motorcycle competitors on the continent are focusing on bringing new battery technology in the market that deliver efficiency, power, and a higher range of scooters and motorcycles. PURE EV has yet to reveal its target markets. The company is however likely to target markets with high demand for electric motorcycles such as South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Egypt and Morocco. 

  • Our take: The entry and market expansion by new EV manufacturers in Africa presents an opportunity for key players to sharpen their market strategies. They need to strengthen their supply chains, widen distribution channels, and accelerate output of new swappable batteries… Read more (2 min)

Kenyan battery company Qtron Industries has refurbished 100 EV batteries to extend their life. Kenya is one of the fastest growing EV markets in Africa, with the number of electric vehicles growing to around 5,000. Demand for EV batteries is high and is projected to grow further, but prices of new batteries remain prohibitive.

  • The battery is the most expensive component of an EV. Its price often accounts for more than half of the price of the vehicle . EV owners have been struggling with the issue of faulty or depleted batteries.  

  • Once refurbished, the batteries are integrated into electric buses, motorbikes, and charging infrastructure. Repaired batteries cost about $1,500 compared to $10,000 for new ones, making them a popular choice for EV owners facing breakdowns. 

  • Our take: EV batteries are expensive. Refurbishing faulty or worn-out batteries helps lower costs. This ensures that more EV vehicles are available on the road... Read more (2 min)

Japanese automaker Subaru will be collaborating with Easee, a Norwegian EV charging company, to pilot an EV charging study in St. Helena in the next two months. The island has the potential to adopt EVs faster due to its smaller size, and unique geography, which beats the range phobia associated with EVs.

  • The island aims to increase its renewable energy access to 80% by 2028, up from the current 20%, despite already achieving 100% electrification access for its population. This initiative will improve green energy availability for charging electric vehicles.

  • With such a Subaru model travelling 80km only consumes 20% of the battery charge. Therefore, a fully charged EV with a similar range can be used for days without charging.

  • Our take: This trial shows a potential market in Africa’s remote islands and rural areas with smaller sizes and cheaper green energy.… Read more (2 min)

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Roam Rider at the Equator as he attempts to ride from the Ugandan border to Mombasa

Events

🗓️ Schneider Electric hosts DC charging infrastructure webinar (Jan 28)

🗓️ USA hosts EV Charging Infrastructure Summit (Jan 28)

🗓️ Nigeria hosts West Africa Automotive Show (May 13)

Jobs

👨‍💼 Charge seeks a chief operations officer (South Africa)

🛠️ BasiGo seeks vehicle systems engineer (Rwanda)

👨‍💻 Watu Africa seeks a process analyst (Sierra Leone)

Various 

🤝🏻 MellowVans partners with South Africa’s Pick n Pay Eshowe

⚡️ VAULTe Global set to launch in Kenya to offer electric mobility solutions

🚘 Switzerland team to test Tesla’s Model X100 range efficiency in South Africa

Seen on LinkedIn 

Michael Muchiri, Civil Engineer in Kenya, affirms that Battery-as-a-Service model being used by electric two- and three-wheelers will help to reduce the cost of EVs, thereby improving charging speeds, and address range anxiety.

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