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THIRD ANNUAL E-MOBILITY CONFERENCE FEATURE
The global transport sector heavily relies on fossil fuels, contributing about 30% of CO₂ emissions in developed countries and 23% globally. In Kenya, it consumes 72% of imported petroleum and contributed 13% of the country’s Green House Gases GHG emissions in 2015, projected to rise to 17% by 2030 due to growth and industrialization. Between 2009 and 2019, emissions from domestic transport rose by 59.4%, with road transport as the main source. Achieving climate goals will require major reforms, such as transitioning to electric vehicles.
E-mobility, or electric mobility, involves using electricity to power transportation instead of fossil fuels. It includes vehicles like electric cars, buses, e-bikes, tuk-tuks and motorbikes. The transition is motivated by environmental concerns and the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Kenyan Government Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which is currently implemented as Fourth Medium Term Plan 2023-2027 under the Kenya Vision 2030 Agenda, recognizes the role that e-mobility could play in the attainment of national development and environmental goals. The Integrated National Transport Policy (INTP), 2009, currently under review identifies electric mobility as a key opportunity for the transport sector.
During a three-day annual exhibition hosted by Kenya Power and Lightening Company KPLC done at KICC on 4th to 6th May, E mobility companies showcased different cars, bikes, tuk-tuks and even advanced wheelchairs that will favor those disabled with the motive to enhance and keep the environment safe.
After a brief discussion with various exhibitors concerning the introduction of these cars which will boost the environmental status of the country and the emphasis that will be of benefit to the common mwananchi, owners of matatu will be enjoying this since it will have reduced fuel charges, noise made when being driven, fumes discharged as CO² which is harmful health wise to the community, benefitting the common mwananchi by making the environment clean thus the car is a free carbon emission means.
Different merchants were in the exhibition rooms showcased and ready to be tested on the ground;car
For over some decades people living with disability were seen left behind in issues related to developments in different fields but in the transport sector that is not the case because Ace mobility limited showcased a wheelchair which has an extension system that uses electricity thus making it easy for those living with disability using wheelchairs as their means of transport.
In addition, they also came up with a van which is modified to suit those using wheelchairs who get it hard to move from one place to another using Uber. By doing this PLWDs are now in the Frontline to access the service and get the modified wheelchairs and cars.
Every day, over 1 million diesel-powered buses operate across Africa, offering affordable and accessible transport. However, they emit 1 gigatons of CO₂ annually, contributing significantly to air pollution in cities and relying heavily on imported fuel.
According to BasiGo, 55 buses have enrolled and are in operation which is a great achievement in the green revolution field. However, it is a stepping stone after the 16-seater matatu is displayed to the audience grabbing attention of the community using Matatu and buses as their means of transport. By doing this, cases of carbon emission, noise pollution and fuel charges will be reduced to almost zero and environment kept safe for generations to come.
E-bicycles have zero fuel costs and are 2-3 times cheaper than e-motorbikes. They also outperform regular motorbikes on efficiency, transport costs and maintenance.
eBee Kenya opted for a solution that will make it easy for cyclist who go for long distance while cycling saving their energy. However, the bicycles are also meant to favor climatic condition whether rainy or sunny.
In addition, after a discussion with eBee and rideelectric, the bicycle has a capacity to carry approximately 150Kgs and with a good charger and bolded tyres, the bikes can move despite the condition of the roads.
They are classified as a form of micro mobility; e-scooters are included in scooter-sharing systems that use apps to allow users to rent them by the minute. Such systems are now are in major and mid-sized cities all over the world.
Far Ocean Trading limited took the initiative to bring electric scooters which gives a comfort for single riders by its operating power and the design. E-scooters are a potentially environmentally friendly alternative personal mode of transportation that has appeal in urban settings and distance differing from the power of the battery.
In conclusion, Transport accounts for around half of current global NOX emissions. Currently available e-mobility technologies can reduce NOX emission by 90% per passenger kilometer by 2050.
The effects of pollution from transport are especially important in cities where large numbers of people and vehicles move within a small geographical space. As a result, air pollution is an increasingly prominent policy priority. At an urban level, e-mobility reduces oxides from Nitrogen NOX which is one of the atmospheric pollutants and soot emissions.
Cities also have opportunities to rethink traffic, including better and more sustainable public transportation, better infrastructure for walking and biking, and better electric vehicle infrastructures.
Authored by,
Yassin Ali