Post by The Dark Knight on Aug 19, 2024 8:21:29 GMT
Uganda launches first electric commuter taxi
Freedom EV MD Ratan Tayal says they will bring units bigger than the 10-seater if that’s what the market demands.
Freedom EV MD Ratan Tayal says they will bring units bigger than the 10-seater if that’s what the market demands.
Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | Uganda has introduced its first all-electric commuter taxi, thanks to a partnership between Freedom EV Electrical SMC Ltd and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).
The vehicle, produced by Dongfeng Automobile Company (DFAC) in China, can travel between 250 to 300 kilometers on a single charge, costing just 40,000 Shillings. This makes it more economical than traditional diesel and petrol-powered vans.
Priced at 120 million Shillings, the van comes with a three-year or 100,000-kilometer warranty, which includes free services during the warranty period.
Ratan Tayal, Managing Director of Freedom EV in Kampala, highlighted that the cost is relatively low compared to the common 14-seater minibuses, which are priced at 80 million Shillings.
Tayal acknowledged that Uganda’s public transport sector generally prefers 14-seaters and larger vehicles but noted that the 10-seat model is the standard in their initial markets in China and Nepal. He reassured that 14-seater and 28-seater buses will soon be available in Uganda, with seat adjustments made to better accommodate Ugandan passengers.
Tayal also urged the government to strengthen its collaboration with private sector dealers in electric vehicles to make these environmentally friendly options more affordable and accessible to Ugandans, as the current prices remain out of reach for many.
“If the government can subsidise the coat of electricity and also make the acquisition of electric vehicles easier because this would make the road to energy transition easier,” Tayal said.
Jafari Abuyi, Marketing Manager at Freedom EV Electrical SMC Ltd, noted that the vehicles are more affordable than they would be without government support for renewable energy innovations.
He explained that the government has, for instance, waived import duties on all-electric vehicles, helping to lower the costs.
www.dispatch.ug/2024/08/18/uganda-launches-first-electric-commuter-taxi/