Rwandan electric vehicle startup Ampersand achieves 1,000 vehicle milestone
Ampersand, a Rwanda-based company that offers integrated electric motorcycles and transport energy solutions, has reached a significant milestone in its mission to provide sustainable mobility options in Kenya and Rwanda. The company now has over 1,000 electric motorcycles in commercial use on the roads. Ampersand assembles and finances electric motorcycles that are more affordable to purchase and operate than traditional petrol motorcycles commonly used in East Africa. Since its commercial launch in May 2019, Ampersand's fleet has grown to 1,000 motorcycles and is projected to exceed 10,000 by late 2024. Ampersand operates a network of 25 battery-swap stations in Kenya and Rwanda, allowing riders to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones in just two minutes. The company focuses on working with commercial delivery and taxi motorcycle drivers, who benefit from fuel and maintenance savings, earning 50% more compared to petrol bikes, while also reducing carbon emissions. Ampersand aims to continue expanding local production of its battery packs to meet the increasing demand for its electric motorcycles and contribute to a more sustainable public transport option in East Africa.
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