President Ruto’s Electric Ride and Nairobi’s Electric Bus Revolution
Written by Obwoge Joseph on September 7, 2023
During the Africa Climate Summit (ACS) 2023, President William Ruto made a powerful statement by personally driving an electric car around Nairobi.
He made a memorable arrival at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), where the ACS was being held.
This unconventional move captured public attention and generated significant discussion. Coinciding with this, Nairobi witnessed the introduction of sleek electric buses, a stark departure from the aging, conventional buses that typically ply the city’s routes.
The decision to introduce electric buses was a deliberate effort to promote climate awareness and enhance Kenya’s climate action agenda by adopting low-carbon, efficient transportation systems.
Autopax Air EV Yetu
President Ruto drove a vibrant yellow Autopax Air EV Yetu during his motorcade, accompanied by other electric vehicles like the VW e-Golf from the EvChaja charging network.
This electric car, a result of collaboration between Kenyan EV manufacturer Autopax and Chinese automaker SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW), is produced in China and assembled in Nairobi.
It comes in two versions, with the standard range covering 200 kilometers on a full charge and the long-range variant capable of 300 kilometers.
Buyers can choose between ‘Lemon Yellow’ and ‘Avocado Green’ colors, and the long-range model includes features like satellite navigation, synthetic leather seats, and a geofencing alarm system.
The President’s motorcade also showcased electric motorcycles from various manufacturers, emphasizing Kenya’s commitment to sustainable transportation.
Kenyan Reactions
These initiatives sparked a flurry of reactions among Kenyans. Some questioned the timing of President Ruto’s electric car drive, speculating that it was a gesture prompted by the ACS.
Similarly, the introduction of electric buses garnered both praise and skepticism. Many Kenyans welcomed these initiatives as positive steps toward a more sustainable future, while others viewed them with a degree of skepticism, suggesting that they might be primarily symbolic or timed for maximum publicity.
These diverse reactions underscored the significance of Kenya’s transition to electric mobility in the eyes of its citizens.
The Importance of Adopting Electric Cars
The adoption of electric cars holds immense importance for Kenya and the broader global community. Electric vehicles (EVs) produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars.
As countries worldwide set ambitious targets to combat climate change, the transition to EVs is critical in achieving these goals. Furthermore, EVs offer reduced operational costs and lower maintenance requirements, making them an economically viable choice for consumers.
By embracing electric cars, Kenya is not only contributing to environmental sustainability but also fostering innovation, creating job opportunities, and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.
As the world shifts toward a greener future, the importance of adopting electric cars becomes increasingly evident, positioning Kenya at the forefront of this global transition.
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