Roam has teamed up with Quickmart Kenya to install Roam Hub charging stations at different store sites, improving access to charging for electric boda boda users.
The Roam Hub charging stations are equipped with fast chargers capable of charging the Roam Air, the company’s electric motorcycle in less than an hour.
They are also powered partly by solar energy and are designed with an interoperability function that allows other electric vehicles from Roam’s partners to be serviced at these locations.
These stations can accommodate various electric vehicles, like motorcycles and bicycles, using universal technology for compatibility.
The charging stations have spare parts on hand and skilled technicians available to perform any necessary maintenance or repairs.
The partnership between Roam and Quickmart offers numerous advantages and benefits for both companies.
Roam will see increased reach and visibility through Quickmart’s customer base, while also gaining valuable data for future development.
Quickmart, on the other hand, will attract environmentally conscious customers and offer a valuable service by providing EV charging stations.
Jacques Dôme Deputy CEO at QuickMart, stated, “As a forward-thinking retail chain, we are excited to partner with Roam to provide our customers with the convenience of electric motorcycle charging.”
By emphasizing the use of open technology for broad EV compatibility, such as for motorcycles and bicycles, both companies can further expand their reach and impact.
In Nairobi, there are currently four Roam Hubs actively helping with over 4,000 charging and rental transactions.
These hubs have distributed more than 10 MWh of energy and enabled over 250,000 kilometers of electric travel.
The Roam-Quickmart partnership is creating new job opportunities in Kenya. Station installation, maintenance, and operation require skilled labor, contributing to the local economy.
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Habib Cyril, Energy & Charging Product Manager for Roam said, “This partnership not only enhances the accessibility of electric vehicle charging but also aligns with our commitment to integrating sustainable solutions into everyday life.”
The initial charging stations have been installed at QuickMart, and there are intentions to establish more stations at other sites soon.
QuickMart has been rapidly expanding in recent years and now operates 60 branches across 16 different counties.
By promoting the use of electric boda bodas, the partnership helps reduce Kenya’s dependence on fossil fuels.
This is particularly significant in urban areas such as Nairobi where air pollution can be a major concern.
The Roam-Quickmart partnership is a significant step towards making electric boda bodas a more practicable and attractive option for riders in Kenya.
With convenient charging stations becoming more available, the fear of running out of battery power before reaching a charging station will become less of a concern.
This can encourage more people to switch to electric boda bodas, leading to a wider adoption of EVs in the country.
The Kenyan government has recognized the potential of e-mobility and is taking steps to support its growth.
These initiatives include tax breaks for electric vehicles, investment in charging infrastructure development, and policies promoting the use of renewable energy sources for power generation.
With continued government support and private sector partnerships like Roam-Quickmart, Kenya is well positioned to become a leader in e-mobility in Africa.
More collaborations between businesses and organizations will support the growth of electric vehicles, leading to a shift towards cleaner transportation options in the future.