Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has announced the unveiling of four electric vehicles (EVs) as part of the company’s sustainability plan to reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promote wider adoption of EVs in Kenya. The EVs, which include two SUVs and two double-cabin pickups, will primarily be used for data collection and policy development as KenGen prepares to install over 30 EV charging stations across the country in 2023.
KenGen Acting Managing Director and CEO Abraham Serem stated that the pilot EVs will allow the company to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the feasibility of transitioning to e-vehicles, while also providing insights on technology choices for electric charging infrastructure in the country. Serem added that KenGen plans to roll out about 30 EV charging stations in major cities across Kenya in the next year.
KenGen currently has two EV charging stations in Nairobi and Naivasha, and plans to install an additional three by the end of 2023 in Murang’a, Embu, and Kisumu Counties within the company’s power plants. These charging stations are currently not open to the public, as they are being used for internal piloting and data collection before the start of the commercial rollout.
The use of EVs is a growing trend globally as governments and companies work to reduce GHG emissions and combat climate change. EVs emit significantly lower levels of GHGs compared to gasoline-powered vehicles, making them a more environmentally-friendly transportation option. In addition, the cost of operating an EV is typically lower than that of a gasoline-powered vehicle, as EVs have lower fuel and maintenance costs.
KenGen’s foray into EVs is a promising development for the company, as it demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and green initiatives. The use of data from the pilot EVs will allow KenGen to make informed decisions about transitioning its own fleet to EVs and developing charging infrastructure in the country. This, in turn, could encourage wider adoption of EVs in Kenya and contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions in the country.
Overall, KenGen’s announcement is a positive step towards a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly future for Kenya. As more companies and governments adopt EVs, the global shift towards a low-carbon economy will continue to gain momentum.