Introduction

In a landmark development for the African transport sector, BYD, one of the world's largest electric vehicle and battery manufacturers, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ampersand, a leading EV energy tech company in Africa. This collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of electric motorcycles across the continent, driving clean economic prosperity and reducing carbon emissions.

Partners in Innovation

BYD, renowned for its electric vehicles and revolutionary "Blade" battery, will partner with Ampersand to enhance the electric motorcycle market in Africa. Ampersand, a pioneer in EV energy technology, focuses on making sustainable transport solutions accessible to the mass market. This partnership will see Ampersand utilizing BYD’s advanced battery cells to produce approximately 40,000 electric motorcycles by the end of 2026.

Goals and Vision

The collaboration aims to electrify a significant portion of Africa’s 30 million commercial motorcycles, most of which are currently powered by internal combustion engines. This transition will help reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and provide substantial savings on fuel and maintenance costs for riders.

Addressing a Large Market

Motorcycles are a crucial mode of transport in many African countries, especially as taxis. The majority of these motorcycles operate on internal combustion engines, presenting a vast market opportunity for electrification. This initiative will primarily impact the “boda belt” regions, spanning from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to Dakar, Senegal, and significant parts of North Africa.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

Electric motorcycles offer multiple benefits, including:

  • Reduced Operational Costs: Riders can save up to 45% annually on fuel and maintenance.
  • Environmental Impact: Cleaner air quality and reduced carbon emissions.
  • Social Mobility: Enhanced entrepreneurship opportunities and improved livelihoods.

Ampersand's Role

Ampersand is a leading player in Africa’s electric motorcycle ecosystem. The company’s existing fleet of 3,000 zero-emission motorcycles has already demonstrated significant cost savings and environmental benefits. With the support of BYD, Ampersand will rapidly scale its operations and charging infrastructure, primarily in Rwanda and Kenya.

Strategic Focus

Josh Whale, CEO of Ampersand, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “This collaboration with BYD marks a major milestone as we continue to lead the charge in providing sustainable, cost-effective EV solutions. BYD’s battery technology, combined with our deep customer insight and technical expertise, will fast-track the electrification of Africa’s commercial motorcycles.”

BYD's Perspective

BYD’s involvement brings cutting-edge battery technology and extensive manufacturing capabilities to the table. Sihai Zhang of BYD highlighted Ampersand’s standout role in Africa’s transport electrification: “Electrifying Africa’s commercial motorcycles is a logical first step in decarbonizing the transport system across the Global South.”

A Strategic Move

BYD's collaboration with Ampersand aligns with its global strategy of partnering with innovative firms to leverage its battery expertise. This partnership will not only enhance the electric motorcycle market in Africa but also ensure a steady supply of world-leading battery technology for Ampersand’s expanding fleet.