About the ENERGICA project
With its 11 European and 17 African partners, ENERGICA focuses on energy access and sustainable energy development on both continents.
The project focuses on three demonstration sites, developing:
- Nano-grids for access to renewable energy in rural Madagascar
- A new biogas and water purification system for energy, water and food fertiliser production in Sierra Leone.
- Solar powered electric mobility for mototaxis in urban Kenya.
Description of success
Solar Powered Electric Mobility for Mototaxis: The Roam Hub in the Kenyan demonstration site is Africa’s first electric service station. Currently, the project has three key sites all over Nairobi county, with plans to add more locations to the network over the coming months.
The service stations are equipped with fast chargers capable of charging the Roam Air (electric motorcycle) in less than an hour. The stations are also powered partly by solar energy and are designed with an interoperability function that allows other electric vehicles from Roam’s partners to be serviced at these locations.
Highlights
- Multipurpose service stations offering battery rental services, battery charging and after-sales services.
- Tackling ‘range anxiety’ within Kenya as stations are equipped with spare parts and staffed with trained technicians who can provide maintenance and repair services as needed.
- The Roam Hub sites also serve as public access points for technology and software updates on the Roam Air making them one-stop-shops for the different needs riders may have.
Outputs
- The electric service stations are multipurpose as they offer battery rental services, battery charging and after-sales services.
Impact
This project offers a holistic and hassle-free riding experience to Roam’s electric motorcycle customers. The Roam Hub charging stations are strategically located at the heart of busy urban areas.
The roll-out of this dedicated charging network for electric motorcycle riders is an important step towards decarbonising Kenya’s transport sector.
Lessons
As this is a container solution it can be used almost everywhere.
