Electric Vehicles in Kenya: Buying, Leasing, and Renting

EVs: The Future of Mobility in Kenya

Remember when spotting an electric car on Thika Road felt like a rare spectacle—you’d point it out to your friends? Fast-forward to 2025, and Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Kenya are no longer a novelty. The gentle hum of an EV blends seamlessly into Nairobi’s traffic, a soundtrack of progress that’s hard to ignore.

Kenya’s e-mobility revolution has shifted gears. What once seemed like a distant dream is now visible at matatu stages, boda-boda ranks, and corporate parking lots. Rising fuel costs, one of the greenest electricity grids in the world, and supportive government policies have propelled EV adoption from pilot projects to mainstream transport.

Today, the Electric Vehicle market in Kenya is buzzing with options. Whether you’re a CEO greening your company fleet, a family looking for your next car, or an entrepreneur venturing into charging stations or leasing, the Electric Vehicle landscape in Kenya has never looked brighter.

Game-Changer for Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Kenya

Kenya’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution has officially shifted into high gear in 2025. The turning point? The National E-Mobility Policy and Finance Act of 2024, which completely reshaped the EV landscape.

Here’s what changed:

• Zero Import Duty & VAT – Fully built EVs and charging equipment are now exempt from duty and VAT. This has slashed the upfront cost of electric cars, buses, and motorcycles in Kenya, making EVs far more affordable than before.
• National Charging Infrastructure Standards – With EPRA setting clear guidelines, investors have accelerated the rollout of public and private EV charging stations across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and beyond. Range anxiety is finally fading.
• Streamlined Duties – Instead of the heavy taxes that crippled adoption in the past, EVs now attract just a 10% import duty, 3.5% Import Declaration Fee (IDF), and 2% Railway Development Levy (RDL), calculated on CIF value.

The impact: Electric vehicles in Kenya are no longer a niche luxury. They are becoming mainstream, affordable, and practical—whether you’re a boda boda rider, a matatu SACCO, a corporate fleet manager, or a family shopping for a clean, cost-saving car.

Kenya proves that with the right policies, EVs can move from a futuristic idea to an everyday reality.

Which Companies Sell Electric Vehicles in Kenya?

Roam (formerly Opibus)

Roam is proving that EVs in Kenya can be built in Africa, for Africa.

• Roam Air: An electric motorcycle designed for boda-boda riders, with swappable batteries and a price point from KES 180,000.
• Roam Electric Bus: Bold red buses now cruising Nairobi routes, priced from ~KES 6.5M with flexible financing options.

BasiGo

BasiGo disrupted the bus market with its Pay-As-You-Drive (PAYD) model.

• Operators pay a daily subscription (~KES 20/km) covering the bus, battery, charging, and maintenance.
• No upfront millions—just predictable costs.

Global Brands Enter Kenya

• BYD Kenya: Offers models like the Dolphin (KES 4.2M) and Atto 3 (KES 5.8M).
• Volvo Kenya (CFS): XC40 Recharge & C40 Recharge starting at ~KES 9.8M.
• Hyundai & MINI: Kona Electric and MINI Cooper SE bring variety to city EV buyers.

Electric Motorcycles & Two-Wheelers in Kenya

Which is the best electric boda boda  in Kenya ?

1. Roam – Air

   • Target User: Commercial (Boda-boda, delivery)
   • Key Feature: Local assembly, swappable battery network
   • Approx. Price: KES 185,000
   • Availability: Sale

2. Ecobodaa – Various Models

   • Target User: Commercial
   • Key Feature: Durable build, swap battery network
   • Approx. Price: KES 170,000 – 190,000
   • Availability: Sale

3. Ampersand – e-Moto

   • Target User: Commercial riders
   • Key Feature: High performance, swap subscription system
   • Approx. Price: ~KES 160,000 (bike) + weekly subscription
   • Availability: Sale + Subscription
4. TVS – iQube
   • Target User: Private / Delivery riders
   • Key Feature: Premium features, strong brand trust
   • Approx. Price: From KES 220,000
   • Availability: Sale

5. Skygo – Multiple Models

   • Target User: Budget-conscious riders
   • Key Feature: Affordable pricing, wide availability
   • Approx. Price: From KES 150,000
   • Availability: Sale
6.  Kiri EV – Various Models
   • Target User: Commercial / Private riders
   • Key Feature: Strong warranty support
   • Approx. Price: From KES 165,000
   • Availability: Sale

Where to rent and Lease Electric Vehicles in Kenya?

Electric Vehicle Leasing & Rental Companies in Kenya

Short-Term Rental (Hours, Days, Weeks)

1. EV Rent Africa
Focus: Premium electric car rentals (e.g., Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Kona).
Ideal For: Tourists and locals seeking a short-term premium EV experience.

2. Uhuru Drive** (by Car & General)
Focus: App-based rentals** including electric people-movers (MPVs) like the Maxus Euniq 5.
Ideal For: Families or groups needing spacious electric transport.

3. Loxea
Focus: Electric cargo van rentals (Maxus eDeliver 3) for logistics and delivery.
Ideal For: Businesses testing sustainable last-mile delivery solutions.

4. Gravity Vans for Hire
Focus:Electric cargo van rentals for logistics, deliveries, and moving.
Ideal For: Businesses and individuals requiring sustainable cargo transport.
Find Them: Search Gravity Vans for Hire Kenya: on social media.

Long-Term Leasing & Subscriptions (Months, Years)

5. LetsDrive Ltd.
Focus: Dedicated long-term EV operational leases, often including maintenance (e.g., BYD models).
Ideal For: Corporations greening fleets and individuals wanting hassle-free access.

6. BasiGo
Focus:Pay-As-You-Drive (PAYD) subscription for electric buses.
Ideal For: Public transport SACCOs and owners (no high upfront cost).

7. Roam
Focus: Sale and financing of electric motorcycles (Roam Air) and buses. Often works with partners to facilitate leasing-like arrangements for fleets.
Ideal For: Boda boda riders and transport SACCOs.

8. Ampersand
Focus: Motorcycle and battery subscription** for electric motorbikes.
Ideal For: Commercial boda boda riders seeking lower operating costs.

9. Bank & Financial Institution Asset Financing
Focus: Financial leasing and loans** for acquiring EVs.
Ideal For: Individuals and companies who have chosen a specific model to buy.
Key Players: NCBA, Absa, Standard Chartered and other major banks.
Action: Inquire with your bank’s asset finance or leasing department.

Key Considerations:

Charging: For leases, secure a charging point. For rentals, get a charging guide.
Range: Factor in load and terrain, especially for cargo vans.
Insurance: Confirm coverage details and excess/deductible fees.
Support: Verify EV-specific roadside assistance policies.

This market is expanding quickly, especially for commercial use where the fuel savings from EVs offer a major advantage.

Should You Switch to an EV in Kenya?

 Why EVs in Kenya Make Sense:

• Huge Fuel Savings: EVs slash running costs by up to 80%.
• Low Maintenance: No oil changes, no exhaust repairs—just brakes, tires, suspension.
• Better Performance: Instant torque and smooth drives for Nairobi traffic.
• Green Impact: With 90%+ renewable energy powering Kenya’s grid, EVs cut carbon emissions dramatically.

 What to Consider:

• Charging at Home: Ideal if you have dedicated parking; apartment dwellers may need creative solutions.
• Long Trips: The charging network is growing but requires planning for routes like Kisumu or Mombasa.
• Upfront Cost: Still higher than petrol cars, but total cost of ownership (TCO) often favors EVs.

The Road Ahead for Electric Vehicles in Kenya

Electric Vehicles in Kenya are no longer the future—they’re the present. Thanks to supportive policies, local innovation, and global brands investing in the market, EVs are scaling across personal, commercial, and public transport.

The question is no longer if EVs will dominate Kenyan roads—it’s how soon. For businesses, families, and everyday riders, EVs are now practical, affordable, and sustainable.

So—when will you take your first electric drive?

Pro Tip: If you’re curious but not ready to commit, start by renting an EV in Kenya for a week. You’ll experience the quiet drive, the savings, and the confidence to switch permanently.

FAQs: Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Kenya

1. How much does an electric vehicle (EV) cost in Kenya?

EV prices in Kenya range from KES 3.8M to KES 10M+ depending on the brand and model. Entry-level cars like the BYD Dolphin start at around KES 4.2M, while premium options such as Tesla and BMW i-Series go higher. Thanks to the 0% import duty and VAT exemption, buying an EV is now far more affordable compared to just a few years ago.

2. Where can I charge an EV in Nairobi and other cities?

You can charge your EV at major malls like Two Rivers, Garden City, Sarit Centre, as well as hotels and dedicated EV charging hubs. Apps like Ev-Charge Kenya and Drive Electric make it easy to locate the nearest charging station. For most owners, home charging overnight remains the most convenient solution.

3. Are electric vehicles cheaper to maintain in Kenya?

Absolutely. EVs have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars. Forget oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust repairs. Routine maintenance mainly covers brakes, tires, suspension, and cabin filters—making EV ownership 30–40% cheaper over the long term.

4. What is the typical range of an EV in Kenya?

Most EVs sold in Kenya today offer between 250–400 km per charge, which is perfect for daily commutes and even road trips like Nairobi–Nakuru or Nairobi–Nanyuki. Higher-end models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Tesla Model Y can push well beyond 450 km.

5. Can I lease or rent an EV in Kenya?

Yes. Leasing is growing fast . Providers like LetsDrive Kenya and Drive Electric Africa offer long-term EV leasing for businesses and individuals. If you prefer flexibility, short-term EV rentals are available from EV Rent Africa, Uhuru Drive, Gravity Vans For Hire and select tour companies offering electric safari vehicles.

6. What government incentives are available for EVs in Kenya?

Kenya’s National E-Mobility Policy (2024) introduced powerful incentives:

• 0% Import Duty and 0% VAT on EVs and charging equipment.
• Streamlined taxes: only 10% import duty, 3.5% IDF, and 2% RDL on CIF value.
• Infrastructure support, including standardized EV charging guidelines by EPRA.