Battery swapping startups are bridging a gap in battery storage, overcoming a major obstacle to the widespread adoption of electric two and three-wheelers.
Across Africa, the rise of battery swapping startups is revolutionizing green mobility. These innovative enterprises are addressing the significant challenges posed by charging infrastructure, accelerating the electrification of two and three-wheeled vehicles, and attracting substantial investment in climate-related ventures.
Kofa: A Case Study in Innovation
One of the notable players in this space is Kofa, a Ghanaian startup specializing in battery network solutions, including an extensive battery-swapping business. According to Disrupt Africa, Kofa is nearing 100,000 battery swaps annually and has plans to expand its services to Kenya and Togo. Erik Nygard, CEO of Kofa, highlights that their core innovation lies in providing high-performance, cost-effective batteries. These batteries are at least 30% more competitive than petrol in terms of cost and are versatile in their applications.
Since January, Kofa has deployed over 10 charging stations, distributed at least 500 Kore2 batteries, and introduced 150 Jidis—e-motorcycles explicitly designed for the African market. This rapid growth positions Kofa among the many startups expanding swiftly across the continent.
The Rapid Growth of Two and Three-Wheelers
The proliferation of two and three-wheelers in Africa underscores the potential for electrification. The number of motorcycles has surged from fewer than 5 million in 2010 to over 27 million in 2022. McKinsey & Company projects that by 2040, more than 50% of all motorcycle sales in Africa will be electric. This booming mode of transportation presents a pivotal opportunity to rapidly electrify mobility on the continent.
Raphael Ratemo, a sustainability scholar based in Kenya and a member of Eco-Africa, a sustainability and climate transition think tank, emphasizes the strategic viability of focusing on two and three-wheelers for electrification. These vehicles are relatively low-cost compared to four-wheelers and are the primary mode of transport for many. Ratemo also points out that motorcycles are significantly more polluting per mile than passenger cars or light trucks, making the shift to electric two and three-wheelers crucial for reducing pollution.
Addressing the Battery Storage Gap
The rise of battery swapping startups is addressing a critical gap in battery storage, which has been a significant barrier to the adoption of electric two and three-wheelers in Africa. Companies like Benin’s Spiro are leading the charge. Spiro, arguably the largest EV company in Africa, reached 1 million battery swaps in 2023, operating in Togo, Uganda, and Rwanda. The company is expanding to Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana, with at least 600 battery-swapping stations across the continent. Spiro also launched Africa’s first automated battery-swapping station in Nairobi in March.
Spiro’s expansion, supported by a US$50 million debt financing from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), exemplifies the growing trend of funding for climate-related ventures. According to Africa Big Deal’s May startup funding report, funding for climate-related ventures grew from 19% in January-May 2021 to 44% so far in 2024.
Photo by Kiri EV
Other Notable Battery-Swapping Startups
Nairobi, Kenya:
- Spiro: One of Africa’s largest EV companies, Spiro launched the continent’s first automated battery swapping station in Nairobi in March 2023. The company is expanding its battery-swapping network across Kenya, with plans to roll out 16 swap stations in Nairobi.
Kampala, Uganda:
- Zembo: Zembo has established 27 battery swap stations in Kampala, serving the local market with electric motorcycles and facilitating easy battery exchanges for riders.
Kigali, Rwanda:
- Ampersand: Ampersand operates a network of battery-swapping stations in Kigali and has ambitious plans to increase its fleet from 1,350 to 10,000 electric motorcycles by the end of 2024. The company is also extending its services to Kenya and Uganda.
Accra, Ghana:
- Kofa: Kofa, a Ghanaian startup, has deployed over 10 charging stations and distributed at least 500 Kore2 batteries and 150 Jidis (e-motorcycles designed for the African market) since January 2023. The company is preparing to expand its battery-swapping solutions to other African countries, including Kenya and Togo.
Various Cities in Benin, Togo, and Uganda:
- Spiro: Beyond Nairobi, Spiro operates in multiple cities across Benin, Togo, and Uganda, boasting at least 600 battery-swapping stations across the continent. The company is set to expand its fleet of electric motorbikes and swap stations further following a significant funding boost.
Other companies like Roam, ARC Ride, and Chaji Energy are heavily investing in battery-swapping stations across various African markets, promising a bright future for last-mile e-mobility in Africa. These deployments highlight the rapid growth and success of battery swapping initiatives across different African cities, showcasing the potential for scalable and sustainable green mobility solutions.
The Future of Green Mobility
Ratemo explains that motorcycles are utilized even in the most remote parts of the continent. By addressing the charging infrastructure gaps, battery swapping could facilitate the wider adoption of electric motorcycles, extending their usage beyond urban areas to the most isolated regions.
Battery-swapping startups are not only transforming the transportation landscape in Africa but also setting a precedent for sustainable and cost-effective mobility solutions. With continued investment and innovation, these startups are poised to play a crucial role in Africa’s transition to green mobility.
Join the green mobility revolution today! Support and invest in battery swapping startups to help drive sustainable transportation solutions across Africa. Together, we can create a cleaner, more efficient future.
