BasiGo, the Kenyan electric vehicle manufacturer, has announced a significant expansion of its operations in Rwanda, with 28 new electric buses set for delivery.
The first batch of buses is already on the way and will arrive in Kigali next month. As a result, the expanded fleet will soon serve both city and inter-city routes. Additionally, BasiGo plans to deploy 100 electric buses across the country in 2025 after securing the necessary capital last October.
Moreover, Rwandan bus operators have already reserved over 360 electric buses as they look to replace aging diesel buses or expand their fleets.
To support the deployment of these buses, BasiGo is expanding its charging infrastructure network, including upgrading its Rwandex charging and service depot. Notably, the Rwandex depot will feature 1 MW of power capable of reliably charging 25 electric buses nightly. Furthermore, the company will set up charging stations across the country to support inter-city operations.
Through BasiGo’s Pay-As-You-Drive model, the company offers a complete solution that includes charging, service and maintenance, and insurance of the E-Bus. Additionally, with a 90% uptime guarantee, this model helps bus operators seamlessly integrate electric buses into their fleets.
“BasiGo is proud to be delivering the largest shipment of electric buses to date into Rwanda,” said Jit Bhattacharya, CEO and Co-Founder at BasiGo. Rwanda’s commitment to sustainable transport has created an ideal environment for private sector investment and innovation into E-mobility. With this first major shipment of electric buses, BasiGo is proud to help Rwanda take a major step towards the goal of universal, electrified public transport for the country. “
Growing Demand for Electric Buses in Rwanda
BasiGo launched its Electric Bus pilot in Rwanda in December 2023, and it has grown its reservation book to over 360 units and counting. “Over the last 15 months, we have proven the reliability of our electric buses and the value of our model to the Bus Operators. We are confident in our capacity to meet the Rwandan bus market needs,” said Doreen Orishaba, Managing Director of BasiGo Rwanda.
To further strengthen its leadership team, BasiGo has appointed Jones Kizihira as Head of Vehicle Asset Finance. “Jones is an experienced leader in Rwanda’s public transport sector. We are delighted to have his expertise as we rapidly scale,” added Ms. Orishaba. In this role, Kizihira will lead the development of tailored financing solutions to accelerate the adoption of electric buses by Rwandan bus operators.
Ultimately, this expansion positions BasiGo as a pivotal player in Rwanda’s transportation transformation, aligning with the country’s Vision 2050 sustainability goals. Deploying 100 electric buses will cut carbon emissions by approximately 3,000 tons annually while also creating hundreds of local jobs.
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