While it is true that electric vehicles are the future of urban mobility because of their low CO2 emissions and low running costs, the purchase of such vehicles remains fairly expensive, particularly in Africa. That’s why UK solar home systems supplier Bboxx has teamed up with mobility start-up Roam. The two companies will pool their sustainable solutions for the development of electric mobility in Kenya, Rwanda and Togo.
Under the terms of the partnership, Bboxx will provide its mobile payment solutions, including Bboxx’s Pulse application, a fully integrated pay-as-you-drive operating system that streamlines business operations for Spiro customers. Drivers will also benefit from an integration process that includes technical tests, speed and safety training, and access to protection kits (helmets).
“Customers will be able to exchange electric motorbike batteries when they need a new charge at Bboxx shops and distribution centres across Rwanda, for example. Through this new alliance, Bboxx Pulse, the company’s proprietary integrated operating system (which currently processes around 40 payments per minute), enables Bboxx to cost-effectively extend financial services with a low point of entry to previously underserved communities. In addition, it provides a ready-made terrestrial network for Spiro to reach new customers,” explains Mansoor Hamayun, CEO and co-founder of Bboxx.
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This will optimise sales of the electric two-wheelers assembled by Spiro’s engineers and, above all, reduce air pollution in these East and West African countries, where combustion vehicles are still king. “With 9,000 electric motorbikes on the road, 2 million battery replacements carried out and 75 million kilometres travelled cleanly, Spiro is at the forefront of the green revolution in Africa, fuelling economies, creating jobs and stimulating sustainable growth,” says the company headed by Jules Samain.
Benoit-Ivan Wansi