This archive report was first published on 23 September 2019.
Swedes on Mission to Change Public Transport with Electric Matatus ¶
Published on September 23, 2019
Imagine a matatu whizzing by without the typical engine noise, moving stealthily as if to avoid being noticed. Curiously, it has no exhaust pipe and, therefore, no smoke is released. This is the dream of a group of five Swedish innovators who want to convert petrol and diesel matatus on Kenyan roads to electric vehicles.
Through their company, Opibus, Johanna Alander, Filip Lövström, Filip Gardler, Mikael Gånge, and Rawlings Nechevava aim to make this dream a reality. They are working closely with the Nairobi City County government and the Matatu Owners Association to achieve this goal.
The conversion process involves removing diesel and petrol engines from minibuses and replacing them with electric motors and battery packs. The fuel tank and gearbox will also be removed, as they are rendered obsolete by the electric drive. Instead of refilling at petrol stations, the vehicles will be recharged using solar power at strategic locations.
Opibus claims that electrified matatus are eco-friendly, with zero smoke, zero carbon emissions, and no engine noise. They also promise a steep drop in fuel and maintenance costs. According to Mikael Gånge, the sales manager, matatu operators can save up to 80 per cent yearly in costs should they switch to electric drive.
The company has already piloted the conversion technology, initially focusing on off-road vehicles for regular and safari use. They have so far electrified safari vehicles for the Maasai Mara National Game Reserve, Chyulu Hills National Park, and Lewa Wilderness, a wildlife sanctuary. The models include Land Cruiser HZJ 79 and Land Rover Defender 90/110.
The safari vehicle conversion process typically takes a week and costs between $30,000 (Sh3 million) and $35,000 (Sh3.5 million). Opibus plans to cut the cost-range with the scaling up of the business and achievement of economies of scale.
The electric vehicles can run at speeds of over 120km/h and cover a minimum of 140km before recharging with the smaller battery and up to 350km with larger batteries. With only the sound of tyres being heard, the silent drive of an electric vehicle makes safari expeditions a quiet experience, says Mr Gånge.
Opibus has built and coached a local pool of young innovators drawn from disciplines as diverse as engineering and design. Its workforce currently stands at 25, mostly comprising locals. Plans are afoot to double the number in the next six months.
