Loxea, a leading player in Kenya’s vehicle leasing and fleet management industry, has launched the BYD range of electric vehicles, making it the first official sole distributor of the world-renowned models in Kenya.

This marks a strategic move by Loxea as it diversifies from its core leasing and fleet management business into the rapidly growing electric mobility sector, a decision to drive sustainable growth while transforming the country’s transportation landscape.

The company will offer 100 percent electric vehicles for leasing and outright purchase.

The Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Investments, Trade & Industry, Hon. Salim Mvurya, who graced the event, hailed Loxea’s introduction of electric vehicles as a timely contribution to Kenya’s sustainable development goals.

“The government has prioritized the adoption of e-mobility to achieve a number of targets, not only to comply with the existent carbon emission reduction commitments of 32 percent reduction by 2030, but also to lower Kenya’s reliance on oil imports. For example, in the 2023 Budget Policy Statement, the government committed to provide financial and tax incentives for PSVs and commercial transporters to convert to EVs, and there has been a notable response by the sector,” said CS Mvurya.

The adoption of electric vehicles in Kenya is increasingly picking pace, driven by several factors including supportive government policy, environmental awareness, and economic considerations. The country’s Vision 2030 blueprint and its commitment to the Paris Agreement emphasize sustainability and climate change mitigation, making the adoption of EVs a critical step in achieving these goals.

Loxea Kenya Managing Director, Jennifer Kinyoe said that the diversification into distributorship of electric vehicles is part of Loxea’s broader vision to lead in Kenya’s

evolving mobility ecosystem, offering a comprehensive suite of services associated with electric cars. This includes the installation of electric charging stations, vehicle maintenance, repair services, and the provision of spare parts.

“Diversifying into electric vehicles aligns perfectly with our mission to provide innovative, sustainable mobility solutions to businesses and individuals. It is a testament to our commitment to delivering future-proof solutions, and we are excited to partner with BYD, a leading global electric vehicle and battery manufacturer, as we chart a new path in Kenya’s automotive industry,” she said.

The transport sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and transitioning to EVs is a critical step towards achieving climate goals.

The introduction of these EVs represents a significant step forward for Kenya’s mobility sector, offering both environmental and economic benefits. Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to reduced air pollution, lower fuel costs, and reduced vehicle maintenance expenses. Additionally, with Kenya increasingly focusing on renewable energy production, EVs are positioned to leverage the country’s green energy transition.

Electric vehicles offer significant environmental benefits by reducing carbon emissions and air pollutants, contributing to cleaner and a healthier environment. Kenya, which is increasingly pursuing investments in renewable energy sources such as geothermal, hydro, and solar, is witnessing an increase in the adoption of EVs.

CFAO Mobility Group CEO, Arvinder Reel emphasized the economic and environmental benefits of electric mobility, noting that EVs have the potential to lower transportation costs for businesses, reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuel and contribute to the fight against climate change.

“We recognize the critical role that EVs will play in addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges, EVs are not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective in the long term. With rising fuel costs, electric vehicles offer lower operational expenses due to reduced fuel consumption and maintenance, lowering the cost of transportation, and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels,” Arvinder noted.

The three cutting-edge BYD EV models are the BYD Atto 3, BYD Seal, and BYD Dolphin, which are of high-performance standards and zero emissions, each designed to meet the diverse needs of the Kenyan market.

 BYD Atto 3: This compact SUV is perfect for urban and off-road driving, offering a long battery range of up to 515 kilometers on a single charge, making it ideal for daily commute and long-distance trips. With its spacious interior and advanced safety features and ergonomic design, it’s ideal for families and professionals alike.

 BYD Seal: This is a sleek, high-performance sedan with a sporty design, for luxury and efficiency. The BYD Seal can travel up to 664 kilometers on a full charge, making it one of the most efficient electric sedans available in Kenya.

 BYD Dolphin: Designed for the everyday commuter, this trendy model offers an impressive range of 402 kilometers on a single charge, combining affordability, sustainability, and comfort for daily urban mobility.

Florent Montaubin, Managing Director Loxea Holding stated: “BYD’s presence in Kenya signifies our commitment to supporting the country’s green transition and modernizing the transportation landscape. With its strategic location and forward-thinking policies, Kenya is poised to be a regional hub for sustainable innovation. Our focus is to ensure that this launch contributes to Kenya’s long-term vision for clean energy andenvironmental conservation. “

In a further step towards ensuring the success of EV adoption in Kenya, Loxea has partnered with Knight Energies to expand the country’s EV charging infrastructure. This collaboration will add new charging stations across key locations in Kenya, adding on the existing charging network to ensure a seamless experience for electric vehicle owners.

“We understand that expanding the charging infrastructure is critical to the success of electric vehicles in Kenya. Our partnership with Knight Energies is designed to ensure that EV owners have convenient access to charging stations across the country, accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles,” Loxea Kenya MD Jennifer Kinyoe added.