Kenyan electric vehicle manufacturer BasiGo is making significant strides in Rwanda’s e-mobility sector, with the imminent arrival of 28 new electric buses. This expansion is part of BasiGo’s broader plan to deploy 100 electric buses across Rwanda by the end of 2025, positioning the company as a key driver of sustainable public transportation in the country.
Scaling Rwanda’s Electric Public Transport Network
BasiGo’s 100-Bus Deployment Plan
BasiGo’s first batch of electric buses is set to arrive in Kigali next month, reinforcing Rwanda’s efforts to transition towards clean and efficient public transportation. The company has already received over 360 reservations from Rwandan bus operators eager to replace aging diesel fleets or expand their current operations.
This initiative aligns with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 sustainability goals, aiming to:
✔ Reduce carbon emissions by 3,000 tons annually
✔ Lower fuel dependency by replacing diesel-powered buses
✔ Enhance public transport efficiency and affordability
✔ Create hundreds of local jobs in the green energy sector
Expanding Rwanda’s EV Infrastructure
To support its rapid expansion, BasiGo is investing in critical infrastructure, including:
🔋 Upgrading the Rwandex charging and service depot – Increasing capacity to 1 MW, capable of charging 25 electric buses nightly.
⚡ Nationwide charging stations – Supporting inter-city electric bus routes.
🛠️ Comprehensive maintenance facilities – Ensuring the seamless operation of electric fleets.
These investments reinforce Rwanda’s readiness for large-scale e-mobility adoption and create a foundation for further growth in the electric transport sector.
BasiGo’s Pay-As-You-Drive Model: A Game Changer for Bus Operators
BasiGo is revolutionizing e-mobility in East Africa through its Pay-As-You-Drive financing model. This innovative approach enables bus operators to adopt electric buses without large upfront costs, while also benefiting from:
✔ Full-service maintenance and charging solutions
✔ Comprehensive insurance coverage
✔ Guaranteed 90% uptime for efficient operations
This flexible payment model is designed to facilitate a smooth transition to electric mobility, reducing financial barriers for operators while ensuring consistent and reliable service delivery.
Leadership Insights: Rwanda’s Commitment to E-Mobility
Jit Bhattacharya, CEO and Co-Founder of BasiGo, highlighted Rwanda’s progressive approach to sustainable transportation, stating:
“BasiGo is proud to be delivering the largest shipment of electric buses to date into Rwanda. Rwanda’s commitment to sustainable transport has created an ideal environment for private sector investment and innovation into e-mobility. With this first major shipment of electric buses, BasiGo is proud to help Rwanda take a major step towards the goal of universal, electrified public transport for the country.”
Since launching its pilot program in December 2023, BasiGo has demonstrated the reliability and cost-effectiveness of electric buses, significantly increasing demand for the technology among Rwandan transport operators.
BasiGo’s Role in East Africa’s E-Mobility Future
BasiGo’s commitment to electrifying East Africa’s public transport extends beyond Rwanda. The company recently secured $42 million in funding to accelerate the deployment of 1,000 electric buses across the region within the next three years.
🌍 Regional expansion goals include:
✔ Scaling e-bus adoption in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda
✔ Expanding the Pay-As-You-Drive model to new vehicle types
✔ Enhancing local EV manufacturing capabilities
BasiGo’s partnership with AC Mobility, Rwanda’s leading automated fare collection provider, further strengthens the integration of electric buses into the country’s existing public transport network, ensuring:
✔ Seamless payment processing for commuters
✔ Improved operational efficiency for transport providers
✔ Enhanced commuter experience with modern, zero-emission buses
The Road Ahead: A Sustainable Transport Revolution
BasiGo’s strategic expansion into Rwanda marks a turning point in East Africa’s public transport industry, demonstrating the feasibility and economic benefits of electrification.
By combining innovation, infrastructure investment, and strategic partnerships, BasiGo is helping shape a cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable public transport future—one electric bus at a time. 🚍⚡
