Is Kenya Building Its Own Electric Cars?
Yes — electric cars made in Kenya are now a reality , though still in early stages. While Kenya does not yet have large-scale EV manufacturing plants like those in China or Europe, local innovation and startup activity are paving the way for homegrown electric vehicles.
From electric motorcycles and buses to converted petrol vehicles , several Kenyan companies are now designing and assembling electric vehicles right here in East Africa .
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- 🚗 Which companies are making electric cars in Kenya
- 🏭 What types of EVs are being produced
- 💡 How local manufacturing is shaping Kenya’s green transport future
Let’s dive in!
📌 Quick Summary: Electric Vehicles Being Made in Kenya (2025)
| Company | Product | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Opibus | Electric Buses & Motorcycles | BEV |
| Roam | Electric Motorcycles & Scooters | BEV |
| Green Energy Vehicle Solutions (GEVS) | EV Conversions & Mini-Buses | BEV |
| Mottorin Mobility | Electric Scooters | BEV |
🏆 Companies Making Electric Cars and Vehicles in Kenya
1. Opibus – Kenya’s First Electric Bus Manufacturer
Opibus is one of Kenya’s most promising EV startups. Based in Naivasha, they specialize in converting traditional combustion-engine vehicles into fully electric ones , including minibuses and motorbikes.
🔋 Products:
- Electric minibuses (e-buses)
- Electric motorbikes (e-motos)
- Battery packs and charging systems
📍 Location: Naivasha
📞 Contact: +254 710 000 000
🌐 Website: www.opibus.co
2. Roam – Pioneering Electric Motorcycles and Scooters
Roam is leading the charge in Kenya’s two-wheeler EV market. They design and manufacture electric motorcycles and scooters tailored for urban delivery riders and commuters.
🔋 Products:
- Roam Air (electric motorcycle)
- Fast-charging stations
- Battery-swapping technology
📍 Location: Nairobi
📞 Contact: +254 790 000 000
🌐 Website: www.roamev.com
3. Green Energy Vehicle Solutions (GEVS) – EV Conversions & Local Assembly
GEVS focuses on electrifying commercial transport in Kenya, offering conversions of petrol/diesel vans and minibuses into electric vehicles.
🔋 Products:
- Electric mini-vans
- EV charging infrastructure
- Fleet electrification services
📍 Location: Nairobi
📞 Contact: +254 700 000 000
🌐 Website: www.gevskenya.com
4. Mottorin Mobility – Affordable Electric Scooters
Mottorin Mobility offers affordable electric scooters designed for city use. Their models are ideal for short-distance commuting and delivery services.
🔋 Products:
- Mottorin E-Scooter
- Charging accessories
- Spare parts and service support
📍 Location: Nairobi
📞 Contact: +254 715 000 000
🌐 Website: www.mottorin.com
🛠️ Types of Electric Vehicles Being Made in Kenya
While full-scale passenger car manufacturing is still in development, the following EVs are currently being designed, assembled, or converted in Kenya :
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Electric Buses | Converted from diesel minibuses by Opibus |
| Electric Motorcycles | Locally built by Roam and Opibus |
| Electric Scooters | Designed and assembled by Mottorin and Roam |
| EV Conversions | Petrol-to-electric vehicle conversions by GEVS and Opibus |
🧪 The Future of Electric Car Manufacturing in Kenya
Kenya may not yet be producing mass-market electric cars , but the country is laying the groundwork for a local EV industry.
📈 Key Developments to Watch:
- Local assembly plants : Some Chinese EV brands are exploring partnerships with Kenyan firms.
- Battery production : Startups are experimenting with battery recycling and local battery pack assembly.
- Government support : Policies promoting clean energy and electric mobility are gaining traction.
- Renewable energy integration : With Kenya’s high renewable energy mix (geothermal, solar), EV adoption makes sense both economically and environmentally.
🚀 Why Kenya Is Poised for EV Manufacturing Growth
Several factors make Kenya an attractive location for electric vehicle production :
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Growing demand for clean transport | Urbanization and environmental awareness are rising |
| Abundant renewable energy | Kenya generates over 80% of its electricity from renewables |
| Tech-savvy youth workforce | A growing pool of engineers and innovators |
| Strategic East African Hub | Kenya serves as a gateway to regional markets |
🧑🔧 Challenges Facing Local EV Manufacturing
Despite progress, there are still hurdles to overcome:
| Challenge | Explanation |
|---|---|
| High upfront costs | EV manufacturing requires significant investment |
| Limited supply chain | Lack of local battery, motor, and component suppliers |
| Lack of government subsidies | No direct incentives for local EV production (yet) |
| Low consumer awareness | Many people are unfamiliar with EV technology |
✅ Conclusion: Yes, Electric Cars Are Now Being Made in Kenya
To answer the question clearly: Yes, electric vehicles are now being made in Kenya , although passenger electric cars are not yet mass-produced locally . Instead, the focus is on electric buses, motorbikes, scooters, and vehicle conversions .
Companies like Opibus , Roam , and GEVS are leading the charge in developing affordable, sustainable transport solutions that fit Kenya’s needs.
As the market grows and more investment flows in, we can expect to see more electric cars and components being made right here in Kenya .