In a significant step towards sustainable transportation in Kenya, Ampersand Energy and CrossBoundary Energy have announced a strategic partnership to power electric motorbikes with solar energy.
This innovative collaboration aims to transform the e-mobility landscape in East Africa by providing affordable and renewable electricity for charging stations.
Expanding E-Bike Reach with Solar Power
Ampersand, a leading provider of electric motorcycles in the region, currently operates a fleet of over 1,000 e-bikes in Kenya and 3,000 in Rwanda.
By partnering with CrossBoundary Energy, the company seeks to accelerate its expansion and bring e-bikes to a wider audience. The solar-powered charging stations will not only provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution for charging batteries but also reduce carbon emissions, contributing to a greener future.
Overcoming Challenges and Driving Growth
The partnership addresses key challenges limiting the adoption of electric two-wheelers (E2Ws) in Kenya. High capital investment for charging stations and the lack of adequate infrastructure have been significant barriers.
CrossBoundary’s off-balance sheet solution complements Ampersand’s existing energy infrastructure network, potentially reducing operating costs for E2W providers.
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A New Frontier for CrossBoundary Energy
This partnership marks CrossBoundary Energy’s entry into the e-mobility sector. The company aims to replicate its successful track record in accelerating private investment and driving growth in other sectors.
By working with Ampersand, a partner with ambitious plans for East Africa, CrossBoundary hopes to play a crucial role in supporting the company’s expansion and achieving its goals.
CrossBoundary Energy’s Expertise
CrossBoundary Energy brings its expertise in providing off-balance sheet distributed energy solutions to the partnership. Their innovative approach can help reduce operational costs for E2W providers, making electric mobility more accessible and affordable.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Both Ampersand and CrossBoundary Energy are committed to sustainability. By leveraging solar power, the partnership aims to reduce carbon emissions and create a more sustainable urban environment.
The Benefits of Electric Mobility
The International Energy Agency estimates that road transportation accounts for about one-sixth of global greenhouse gas emissions. Electric mobility offers a promising solution to reduce this impact and create a more sustainable future.
CrossBoundary Energy’s Track Record
Founded in 2011, CrossBoundary Energy has a strong track record in delivering renewable energy solutions to industrial enterprises. Their portfolio includes solar, wind, and storage projects for leading companies across Africa.
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Ampersand’s Leadership in Electric Mobility
Ampersand is a leading player in the African electric mobility market. With its advanced technology and extensive experience, Ampersand is well-positioned to drive the adoption of electric vehicles in the region.
Ampersand’s battery rental service offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional fuel. With a range of 350,000 kilometers per battery and quick swap times, drivers can reduce refueling frequency significantly.
Their Amper-Ops technology, including smart batteries, swap stations, and tailored drivetrains, ensures a seamless and efficient driving experience.
The Amper-Ops technology provide:
- Granular Battery Control: Seamlessly manage battery packs with customizable settings, including health analysis and location-based alerts.
- Data-Driven Insights: Gain deep insights into the performance of each station, driver, and battery, enabling real-time adjustments to maximize ROI.
- Predictive Maintenance: Our smart system proactively alerts you to potential issues, preventing costly breakdowns and downtime.
Ampersand’s E-Moto Swap Service
How it Works:
- Purchase or Lease: Drivers acquire an Ampersand electric vehicle (e-moto) either by purchasing or leasing it.
- Monitor Battery: Using the Ampersand Driver App, drivers can track their battery level and determine when it’s time to recharge.
- Swap Stations: When the battery is low, drivers visit one of Ampersand’s battery swap stations.
- Quick Swap: The swap process takes less than two minutes. Ampersand technicians replace the depleted battery with a fully charged one.
- Pay for Energy: Drivers only pay for the energy they have used.
- Continue Driving: After the swap, drivers can continue their journeys without interruption. They simply repeat the process when necessary.
The Driver App empowers drivers by:
- Monitoring battery health: Drivers can easily check their current battery level and receive real-time updates on battery levels at nearby stations.
- Optimizing charging: The app helps drivers locate the nearest swap station and provides information on available discounts.
- Tracking swap history: Drivers can keep a record of their swaps and transactions for easy reference.
A Greener and More Sustainable Future
The collaboration between Ampersand and CrossBoundary Energy is a testament to the growing momentum behind sustainable transportation in East Africa.
By utilising the power of solar energy to charge electric motorbikes, the partnership is paving the way for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.
As e-mobility continues to gain recognition in the region, initiatives like this will be essential in driving adoption and addressing the challenges associated with traditional transportation methods.
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