Pulse Kenya is the most followed news and entertainment platform in Kenya. It informs and engages young Kenyans around the clock and provides updates by the hour.

Pulselive Kenya

Over the next four years, Kenya Power (KPLC.NR), the country's sole power supplier, plans to convert 2,000 of its gasoline- and diesel-powered cars and trucks to electric power.

Kenya is making huge strides in switching to electric vehicles | Pulselive Kenya

Chinedu Okafor

Over the next four years, Kenya Power (KPLC.NR), the country's sole power supplier, plans to convert 2,000 of its gasoline- and diesel-powered cars and trucks to electric power.

The decision is part of a growing trend in the East African economy to use plentiful renewable energy sources for power and convert motorbike and car engines from fossil fuels to electricity.

It also is an idea we’ve seen implemented in Algeria. In November 2022, the Algerian administration announced plans to ban diesel-powered cars. The goal is to reduce its carbon emissions and adopt a cleaner energy source. <a href="https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/see-the-unprecedented-decision-the-algerian-government-arrived-at-to-combat-climate/xc4xsl0">Read the story here. </a>&nbsp;A few weeks back, the country also announced plans to reduce its usage of <a href="https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/algeria-could-become-africas-greenest-country-with-its-eco-friendly-initiatives/5wwb8b2">fossil fuels</a>, despite being the continent’s fourth-largest oil producer.&nbsp;

Kenya is now the latest African country to veer towards eco-friendly initiatives. Kenya Power will gradually replace its gasoline and diesel vehicles with new models and retrofitted electric engines.

According to Kenya Power, Kenya has an installed generation capacity of 3,321 megawatts (MW), versus peak demand of 2,132 MW and off-peak demand of roughly 1,100 MW.

"Charging electric vehicles especially at night would, therefore, help bridge the gap between off-peak load available generation capacity as well as raise the average demand to above 1,500 MW," Kenya Power said in a statement.

At the beginning of the month, it was reported that in Nairobi, there was an increase in charging stations for electric vehicles.&nbsp;

As battery charging infrastructure is set up by electric mobility businesses, the vehicles are becoming more popular.&nbsp;

In May 2022, the e-mobility startup Ampersand launched operations in Kenya. There are about 60 customers and seven battery changing stations in the capital.

Ian Mbote, Ampersand's expansion lead, says this form of transport is a money saver.

"Electric mobility is cheaper. You are saving 45 percent, less. To be exact, fuel right now is around 180 shillings per litre. Our batteries cost 185 shillings to swap a full battery. That gives you about 90 to 110 kilometres. That 180 shillings on fuel gives you about 30 to 40 kilometres on a motorcycle," he elaborated.&nbsp;

Kenya is making huge strides in switching to electric vehicles

Business

lifestyle

Entertainment

News

Politics

Local

World

Celebrities

Music

Movies

Sports 

Fashion

Beauty & Health

Relationships & Weddings

Food & Travel

Lifestyle

Domestic

International 

Explore categories

The Pulse Influencer Awards has been set up to recognize and highlight bright lights in the influencer space in Kenya who are building active engaged communities around their niche or craft.

Influencer Awards

Company Pages

Breaking News & Top Stories | Pulselive Kenya

Pulse Kenya

Video

Checkout our authors for the latest content across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulselive Kenya

Authors | Pulselive Kenya

| Pulselive Kenya

Read the latest news across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulselive Kenya

Search for the latest content across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulselive Kenya

Search Results | Pulselive Kenya

Watch the latest videos across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone| Pulselive Kenya