Zetech University has recently unveiled a groundbreaking electric-powered tuk-tuk, marking a significant advancement in the quest for sustainable transportation solutions. This innovative vehicle, designed to reduce carbon emissions and reliance on conventional fuels, is set to make waves in Kenya’s transport sector. The unveiling, which took place during the university’s Innovation Week, highlights a major step towards enhancing the country’s e-mobility infrastructure and aligning with its broader environmental goals.
The newly developed tuk-tuk, unlike its traditional counterparts, operates on rechargeable batteries that provide a range of over 100 kilometers on a single charge. Integrated solar panels on the roof of the vehicle play a crucial role in recharging the batteries, harnessing solar energy to ensure the tuk-tuk remains operational with minimal external power sources. Professor Gitau Kamau, who led the project, emphasized the vehicle’s benefits during the launch event. He noted that the electric tuk-tuk is not only noiseless and clean but also cost-effective, making it a compelling alternative in times of high fuel prices.
Built with a similar structure to conventional tuk-tuks, this electric model boasts a speed of over 60 kilometers per hour, offering a faster and more efficient mode of transport. Despite its advanced features, the electric tuk-tuk is priced at Sh450,000, which is slightly higher than the cost of traditional tuk-tuks. This price point reflects the higher costs associated with e-mobility equipment and the advanced technology used in its production.
Professor Kamau’s initiative aims to provide an eco-friendly transport solution that reduces carbon emissions and minimizes environmental impact. However, he acknowledged that the high cost of e-mobility equipment poses a significant challenge to mass production. To address this issue, he has called on the government to implement policies that support the adoption of electric vehicles. Specifically, he suggests eliminating excise duty on body parts and setting aside space in Special Economic Zones for the assembly of these vehicles. Such measures could potentially lower production costs and facilitate the wider adoption of electric tuk-tuks.
The Kenyan government has set ambitious targets for transitioning to electric vehicles, with a goal to fully integrate electric buses into the transport system by 2027. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Former Investment, Trade, and Industrialisation CS Rebecca Miano highlighted the government’s commitment to this agenda by introducing the Draft National Electric Mobility Policy. This policy outlines several key measures to promote the uptake of electric vehicles, including reducing excise duty on electric-powered vehicles to 10% as stipulated in the Finance Act of 2023.
Additionally, the policy proposes revisions to the Integrated National Transport Policy (2009) to better accommodate electric vehicles and their infrastructure needs. The development of an Automotive Policy focused on stimulating the assembly and manufacture of electric vehicles is also part of the government’s efforts to support the e-mobility sector.
In line with these developments, Professor Kamau has advocated for local government support to facilitate the operation of electric tuk-tuks within Central Business Districts (CBDs). He argues that such measures would not only aid in carbon credit trading but also enhance the overall sustainability of urban transport systems.
The unveiling of Zetech University’s electric tuk-tuk is a promising development in Kenya’s drive towards a greener and more sustainable transport sector. By showcasing the potential of electric-powered vehicles, the university has set a precedent for future innovations in the field. With continued support from the government and advancements in e-mobility technology, Kenya is well-positioned to achieve its goal of a fully electric transport fleet by 2027.
