Introduction
In an exciting development for the electric mobility sector, e-mobility startup Ampersand has announced a strategic partnership with CrossBoundary Energy to power its electric two-wheeler (E2W) motorbikes with solar energy. The collaboration will establish solar-powered charging stations in Nairobi, Kenya, marking a major step toward sustainable transportation solutions in East Africa.
Ampersand’s Vision for Affordable Electric Mobility
Founded in 2016, Ampersand specializes in assembling and financing electric motorcycles that are more cost-effective and higher performing than traditional petrol motorcycles. With over five million petrol motorcycle taxis currently in use across East Africa, Ampersand’s electric bikes present an attractive alternative for riders looking to reduce operational costs while contributing to environmental sustainability.
Since its commercial launch in May 2019, Ampersand’s electric fleet has grown to over 3,400 motorcycles, and the company expects to expand its fleet to more than 10,000 by late 2024. Having raised US$21.5 million in funding over the last year, Ampersand is well-positioned to continue scaling its operations.
Strategic Partnership with CrossBoundary Energy
Ampersand’s partnership with CrossBoundary Energy, a leading provider of renewable energy solutions, will enable the company to further scale its operations sustainably. The partnership focuses on powering Ampersand’s electric motorcycles through solar energy at strategically located charging stations across Nairobi. This innovative approach will not only reduce the company’s reliance on traditional energy sources but also lower the cost of charging batteries for riders.
CrossBoundary Energy will provide financing for the renewable electricity used to charge the motorbike batteries at an affordable tariff. This collaboration will support Ampersand’s goal to scale more quickly while maintaining its commitment to sustainability. By leveraging renewable energy, Ampersand aims to cut carbon emissions and lead the charge toward eco-friendly transportation in the region.
Battery Maintenance and Charging Infrastructure
As part of the agreement, Ampersand will manage the battery maintenance and charging station operations. Meanwhile, CrossBoundary Energy will pilot a new model of financing and owning the charging infrastructure and batteries. The first pilot project in Nairobi will include 36 electric charging units and 150 lithium-ion batteries designed for E2W vehicles. These units will be powered by a 37kWp solar PV system, ensuring that the energy used to charge the motorbikes is both renewable and reliable.
Hezbon Mose, Ampersand’s Kenya Country Director, emphasized the importance of expanding the company’s charging infrastructure. “The availability of reliable, affordable charging infrastructure is essential to scaling our operations and meeting the growing demand for e-mobility in Kenya. With CrossBoundary Energy’s solution, we are confident we can expand faster and more efficiently, bringing our e-bikes to more riders across Kenya and East Africa. By leveraging solar power, this expansion will be even more sustainable, cutting carbon emissions faster,” Mose said.
Driving Innovation in E-Mobility
For CrossBoundary Energy, this partnership marks a significant entry into the e-mobility sector. Known for its expertise in offering off-balance sheet distributed energy solutions, the company sees this collaboration as an opportunity to reduce operational costs and accelerate growth in the region’s electric mobility industry. By offering innovative financing solutions, CrossBoundary Energy is set to play a pivotal role in helping e-mobility providers like Ampersand expand their operations.
Tombo Banda, Managing Director and Head of CrossBoundary’s Innovation Lab, highlighted the importance of this venture. “This launch is exciting for many reasons – firstly, it marks the start of CrossBoundary Energy’s foray into the e-mobility sector, in which we hope to play the same role we have played for C&I solar and mini-grids – accelerating private investment and driving growth. Secondly, because we are working with a partner with a strong track record and ambitious plans for East Africa, we hope to play an important part in supporting Ampersand to achieve their plans to scale,” Banda noted.
