E-buses for Africa

In many African cities, buses are the most used means of transport. This is a positive trend, but it also has its disadvantages. The buses used so far were all diesel-powered, which of course polluted the environment and the air extremely. For this reason, the Kenyan-Swedish manufacturer Roam is entering the market and introducing a new e-bus, the Rapid model. 

The 12.5-metre-long Rapid E-bus, which was presented in a first version last January, is supposed to be able to transport up to 90 passengers with a total range of about 360 kilometres. Afterwards, the battery has to be recharged, with a charging process that is supposed to take a maximum of two hours.  However, ensuring sufficient power supply for the charging points remains problematic. On the African continent, as in many other countries around the world, the market ramp-up of electric vehicles often pushes the available power grids to their limits. 

What is special about the new vehicle, however, is the regionality pursued by the company in the development and construction processes. Together with local partners, ROAM is trying, at least according to its own statements, to design and subsequently manufacture as much as possible directly in Kenya. More local jobs can be created in this way - and thus at least to some extent counteract the currently rising unemployment rate in the country. In addition, the conversion to an electric drive also allows for a reduction in operating costs of about 50% - which in concrete terms means higher profit margins for the operator, but also low prices for the clientele.  

Besides the positive impact from a socio-economic point of view, the Rapid bus is good for the environment. The main goal of the manufacturer is to have a new generation of electric omnibuses enforced in Africa, making cities like Nairobi quieter and cleaner. At the same time, the company hopes that the new green bus will improve the popular perception of public transport. No longer just because they are seen as the cheaper or sometimes only means of transport available, but also because of the positive impact they have on the African economy and on the environment.  

The solution offered by ROAM - according to project coordinator Dennis Wakaba - is particularly viable because it is "inclusive, modern, efficient and sustainable". This is good news because, after all, pollution is a global problem. More than ever, he says, it is important to offer more sustainable mobility solutions that can address the environment and affected communities in parallel - in Africa, as well as the rest of the world. The "Rapid Project" seems to be a good starting point.