Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, BYD, has entered the Kenyan market after partnering with a local leasing firm – launching the BYD Atto 3, BYD Seal, and BYD Dolphin models in Nairobi.
- •BYD signed a deal with LOXEA, a leading fleet management player in Kenya, allowing the sole right of lease and sale of these models in the country.
- •BYD’s entry into the Kenyan market follows their expansion into Zambia, where the EV maker partnered with Pilatus and launched models of its vehicles there.
- •LOXEA, which is also a subsidiary of CFAO Mobility Group-itself a subsidiary of Toyota Tsusho Corporation, said that the partnership was an opportunity for the company to diversify its operations and it intends to install electric charging stations and distribute spare parts for EVs.
“Diversifying into electric vehicles aligns perfectly with our mission to provide innovative, sustainable mobility solutions to businesses and individuals,” Jennifer Kinyoe, LOXEA Kenya’s Managing Director, said.
“It is a testament to our commitment to delivering future-proof solutions, and we are excited to partner with BYD, a leading global electric vehicle and battery manufacturer, as we chart a new path in Kenya’s automative industry,” she continued.
Just months ago, another Chinese EV manufacturer – Chery – signed a partnership with a Kenyan firm to kickstart the production of its vehicle brands next year. Kenya and other East African countries have been at the forefront of Africa’s EV transition, drafting policies and working towards a supportive environment for the adoption of these vehicles.
“We expect our e-vehicles to help Kenya in its journey to build a sustainable transportation sector that helps conserve the environment,” GM of BYD South Africa, Steve Chang said.
The Charger Question
“BYD’s presence in Kenya signifies our commitment to supporting the country’s green transition and modernizing the transportation landscape. With its strategic location and forward-thinking policies, Kenya is poised to be a regional hub for sustainable innovation,” said MD of Loxea Holdings, Florent Montaubin.
Loxea will work closely with Knight Energies to ensure that the required charging infrastructure is set up in anticipation for increasing demand for EVs. According to data from EPRA, Kenya has about 5,000 electric vehicles on its roads, with that figure expected to triple by 2030.
Chinese EV makers have been on the grind to consolidate markets globally. At the start of Q4 2023, BYD overtook Tesla as the manufacturer with most sales of EVs signalling a bright future for the company’s models.
However, recent aspersions in the Western bloc against China’s massive industrial production of EVs have prompted leaders from Europe and the US to ramp up tariffs and importation quotas to protect indigenous industries. In response, China’s EV makers are turning their energies to Africa, as the global competition for the strategic minerals to keep EVs running also heats up on the continent.