Motor dealer Moja EV has announced the entry of a new electric vehicle brand into Kenya's market from China.
Moja EV will distribute China's e-vehicle brand called Neta. The e-mobility firm seeks to transform Kenya's transport sector by introducing new electric vehicle models.
Moja EV Kenya CEO Wang Aiping said they will initially import about 160 vehicles from China over the next month.
He said they also plan to partner with Kenya's Associated Vehicle Assemblers to assemble 250 e-vehicles every month.
"There are also plans to export Chinese e-vehicles from Kenya to the rest of Africa by the end of the year," Aiping said.
He said that electric automobiles have advantages, relying on batteries for movement and lacking internal combustion engines, which reduces the need for regular mechanical maintenance.
Neta Overseas Business General Manager Zhou Jiang said the firm will initially offer the Neta V model, retailing for 4 million Kenyan shillings (about 31,000 U.S. dollars) and has a range of about 380 km on a full charge.
"The electric vehicle is ideal for the Kenyan market because it offers affordability combined with low operational costs compared to conventional vehicles," Zhou said.
He said Neta chose to establish a presence in Kenya because it is a regional economic hub and will serve as a gateway for exporting e-vehicles to the rest of the African continent.
He said the Neta V model targets taxi drivers and can go up to 380 kilometers when fully charged.
Moja Ev Ltd aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable transport with its Neta V electric vehicles, which target taxi drivers and can travel up to 380 kilometres on a full charge.
Buyers will also receive new chargers and five years of free maintenance.
