Kenya Electricity Generating Company, aka KenGen, is taking a stride towards a greener future with the unveiling of four electric vehicles (EVs). It’s like they’re driving straight into sustainability town!
These four electric beauties, including two SUVs and two double-cabin pickups, are going to be put to work, collecting data and helping develop policies as KenGen gears up to install over 30 EV charging stations across Kenya in 2023. They’re not just cruising around for fun, they’ve got a mission!
According to KenGen’s Acting Managing Director and CEO, Abraham Serem, these pilot EVs will give the company a chance to thoroughly analyze the feasibility of transitioning to electric vehicles. And that’s not all, folks! They’ll also get some juicy insights into the best technology choices for electric charging infrastructure in the country. KenGen isn’t messing around when it comes to sustainable decision-making.
By next year, KenGen plans to roll out approximately 30 EV charging stations in major cities throughout Kenya. It’s like a power-up for your electric vehicle, available at your fingertips. Just plug in, charge up, and you’re good to go!
Right now, KenGen has two EV charging stations in Nairobi and Naivasha. But hold your horses, my friends, because they’re not open to the public just yet. They’re currently being used for internal piloting and data collection. KenGen wants to make sure they’ve got all their ducks in a row before they launch the commercial rollout. Safety first, folks!
Now, let’s talk about why EVs are the talk of the town. Governments and companies worldwide are hopping on the EV bandwagon to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change. EVs are like the eco-warriors of transportation, emitting significantly lower levels of GHGs compared to their gasoline-powered counterparts. Plus, they’ll save you some coins, as EVs typically have lower fuel and maintenance costs. Talk about a win-win!
KenGen’s venture into the world of EVs is a big thumbs-up for sustainability and green initiatives. By gathering data from these pilot EVs, KenGen will be able to make well-informed decisions about transitioning their own fleet to electric vehicles and developing charging infrastructure across the country. And you know what that means? It could inspire more Kenyans to embrace EVs, leading to a reduction in GHG emissions. It’s like a domino effect of environmental goodness!