Kenya Power plans to replace all petrol and diesel-powered vehicles and motorbikes on its fleet with electric powered ones. The company says this is one of its key steps towards embracing clean energy as the country is moving to that direction too.
Being the main power distributor in the country, it makes sense for Kenya Power to make this move as that might encourage others to follow suit and in the end Kenya Power stands to make more money. If a significant portion of the population embraces electric mobility, they will need to charge their e-vehicles every so often and this means more money for Kenya Power.
The move by Kenya Power was revealed by its acting managing director Geoffrey Muli during the launch of electric motorcycles by Roam Motors.
Kenya Power has so far set aside Ksh 40 million for a pilot test that will see the firm acquire two pick-ups and one four-wheel drive electric vehicle. Part of that kitty will also be used to construct 3 electric vehicle charging stations in Nairobi. The company has previously said it will pilot these charging stations in Nairobi and Nakuru as early as this year.
Kenya Power will use the first charging stations to charge its own vehicles and for demonstration purposes.
“Kenya Power intends to substantially reduce its carbon footprint by purchasing more e-vehicles in the near future, including two-wheelers and three-wheelers. We must play our rightful role to combat global warming by championing mitigation measures such as adoption of electric motorisation,” said Mr Muli.
Kenya Power has also been clear that there is enough power to support the shift to electric mobility. “With an installed electricity capacity of 3,077MW and an off-peak load of 1,100MW, Kenya has enough power to support the entire e-mobility ecosystem,” said Mr Muli.
Read: Roam Unveils its first electric buses in Kenya
Image source: Business DAILY