Nairobi: A Chinese company, Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL), has appointed BasiGo as its authorized service partner in sub-Saharan Africa. Through this partnership, BasiGo's service teams in Kenya and Rwanda will receive specialized training and equipment to perform on-site maintenance and repairs on CATL batteries in electric vehicles.
According to Kenya News Agency, CATL is the world's leading manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. With a global market share of about 38%, it holds a dominant position in the industry. Jit Bhattacharya, CEO of BasiGo, stated that the partnership is a significant step forward for the company, emphasizing the importance of maintaining CATL batteries in African EVs.
While this partnership covers all of sub-Saharan Africa, BasiGo will initially focus its operations in Kenya and Rwanda. The company is set to strengthen its position in Kenya, which has ambitious plans to electrify its public transport system. Former Trade Minister, Rebecca Miano, highlighted the government's goal to have all public service vehicles go electric by 2027.
Saba Azizi, CATL's Head of Service Network and After-Sales for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, acknowledged BasiGo's experience and local presence as ideal for supporting CATL's expansion in Africa. He noted that this partnership is crucial for growing CATL's worldwide service network and promoting sustainable transportation in Africa.
CATL batteries are currently used in BasiGo's electric buses and other EVs in the region. The new agreement indicates that BasiGo's service centers will become collection points for used batteries, allowing them to be repurposed for a second life in Africa.
Founded in 2021, BasiGo began manufacturing its E9 Kubwa electric buses in Kenya in 2024. The company's goal is to produce 1,000 buses for the East African market within three years. The E9 Kubwa, measuring nine meters and accommodating up to 54 passengers, is powered by a 210 kWh CATL LFP battery. It can be charged in under two hours and travel up to 400 kilometers daily, with 100 electric buses already delivered to clients in Kenya and Rwanda.
The buses are assembled at the Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers plant in Thika, which houses BasiGo's dedicated electric bus assembly line.