Meta Electric looks to position itself in Kenya's growing e-mobility market

Meta Electric, a leading player in Kenya's electric mobility sector, is revolutionizing the country's transportation landscape with its innovative electric vehicles. The General Manager, Brian Chege, recently sat down with CNBC Africa to discuss the exciting developments in the e-mobility market in Kenya. Electric mobility presents a unique opportunity for Kenya to reduce emissions from transport and improve air quality. The potential for Kenya to position itself as a hub for electric cars in the near future is a possibility that Meta Electric is actively exploring. Chege highlighted the positive reception from businesses and potential buyers towards electric cars in Kenya. The cost savings, reduced maintenance, brand equity, and environmental benefits associated with electric vehicles have garnered significant interest among stakeholders. Meta Electric's recent partnership with New York, the world's largest bus operator, to trial their electric vehicles demonstrates the growing appetite for e-mobility solutions in Kenya. The company is targeting various sectors such as e-commerce, logistics, courier services, corporate and hotel transfers, with a focus on providing sustainable transportation options. Chege emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders and the government to establish conducive policies that support the growth of the electric mobility sector in Kenya. While the government has shown positive intent by reducing taxes on electric vehicles, there is a need for further incentives and policy reforms to drive widespread adoption of e-mobility solutions. Chege underscored the significance of addressing the high buying costs of electric vehicles through subsidies and tax reductions to make them more competitive in the market. Despite the challenges posed by the current infrastructure for charging stations, Meta Electric is implementing innovative solutions to overcome these obstacles. By offering vehicles on a lease model and strategically installing charging stations, the company is working towards expanding the electric vehicle ecosystem in Kenya. Meta Electric's focus on partnering with businesses to develop charging infrastructure along predictable routes reflects their commitment to sustainable growth in the e-mobility market. The company aims to break even in the next few years by targeting business clients initially and gradually expanding to retail consumers. Chege acknowledged the need for technological advancements in battery technology and improved government support to realize the full potential of electric vehicles in Kenya. He emphasized the energy efficiency and operational advantages of electric vehicles, especially in heavy traffic situations, highlighting the competitive edge they offer over traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. While other regional players are also making strides in electric vehicle production, Chege explained the rationale behind importing vehicles from China due to cost considerations and regulatory challenges in local assembly. He stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and industry players to leverage Africa's renewable energy capacity for powering electric vehicles. Chege expressed optimism about Meta Electric's future prospects in Kenya's e-mobility market and hinted at the company's interest in local manufacturing contingent on favorable incentives and policy frameworks. Meta Electric plans to collaborate with other stakeholders to advocate for unified policies that foster the growth of electric mobility in Kenya. As the country embraces the transition towards cleaner and greener transportation solutions, Meta Electric stands at the forefront of driving sustainable change in Kenya's e-mobility sector.