Volkswagen mobility in electric fleet drive

German car manufacturer Volkswagen made a significant move two years ago when it set up an assembling plant in Kigali, Rwanda. The aim was clear - to roll out a fleet of electric cars and introduce a new mobility solution to the country. CNBC Africa recently had the opportunity to speak with Serge Kamuhinda, the CEO of VW's mobility solutions in Rwanda, to discuss how these ambitious plans have fared thus far. Kamuhinda highlighted the progress made in the past two years, emphasizing the introduction of various car models, including electric vehicles. Currently, Rwanda boasts about 20 electric vehicles, with the launch of a second charging station at the Kigali Convention Center marking a significant milestone in the electric mobility journey. Volkswagen's partnership with Siemens regarding the electric vehicle rollout has faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The transport sector was severely impacted, leading to mobility restrictions and changes in consumer behavior. Despite the challenges, Volkswagen remained resilient, focusing on sustainable solutions and long-term strategies to drive electric mobility in Rwanda and beyond. The company's goal is to establish Rwanda as a proof of concept for electric mobility in sub-Saharan Africa. However, Kamuhinda stressed the importance of an electric mobility policy to support the growth of the sector in Rwanda and the broader African region. Charging times for electric vehicles vary depending on the infrastructure, with fast chargers taking approximately an hour and slower chargers up to six hours. Kamuhinda acknowledged the need for more charging stations to make electric mobility more convenient for drivers, especially for longer distances. He highlighted the evolving driving experience, which is becoming more interactive and user-friendly, as electric vehicles continue to redefine transportation. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Volkswagen's mobility solutions have adapted their business model to navigate through the crisis. The company focused on resilient services like long-term corporate clients while remaining cautious about costs and future market trends. Kamuhinda emphasized the importance of vaccination for drivers and adherence to safety protocols to ensure a safe and sustainable mobility service. Looking ahead, Volkswagen aims to increase the number of electric vehicles on the road and reach a target of assembling 1,000 cars in Rwanda by the end of 2021. However, Kamuhinda highlighted the challenges in sourcing electric vehicles for Africa, as subsidies in Western countries make them more affordable elsewhere. The cost efficiency of electric vehicles compared to traditional combustion engine cars remains a key factor in their adoption. While the road ahead may have its obstacles, Volkswagen remains committed to driving the electric mobility revolution in Rwanda and contributing to a greener, sustainable future for the continent.