The Kigali-based electric transport energy company Ampersand has entered into a strategic partnership with the publicly-listed Chinese multinational manufacturing giant BYD. This collaboration aims to revolutionize and decarbonize Africa’s commercial motorbike transport system.
Founded in 2016, Ampersand focuses on assembling and financing electric motorcycles that are not only more affordable to purchase and operate but also outperform the approximately five million petrol motorcycle taxis currently in use across East Africa.
Since its commercial launch in May 2019, Ampersand’s fleet has expanded to over 1,000 electric motorcycles and is projected to surpass 10,000 by late 2024. This growth was bolstered by a US$19.5 million funding round secured in January this year.
Read also: Ampersand, Rwandan e-bike startup, Raises $19.5 Million.
Under the new partnership with BYD, Ampersand will acquire BYD’s advanced battery cells to manufacture approximately 40,000 electric motorcycles by the end of 2026. The long-term vision is to electrify a significant portion of Africa’s 30 million commercial motorbikes. This initiative will enable Ampersand to rapidly expand its electric fleet and charging infrastructure, which already stands as the largest in Rwanda and Kenya.
“This partnership marks a major milestone for Ampersand as we continue to lead the charge in providing sustainable, cost-effective, mass-market EV solutions,” said Josh Whale, CEO of Ampersand. “BYD’s world-leading battery cells and manufacturing scale, combined with Ampersand’s deep customer insight and technical product knowledge, will help fast-track the electrification of Africa’s commercial motorcycles. Switching the millions of taxis and delivery two-wheelers to EV energy tech represents one of the world’s best value-for-money decarbonization opportunities. At the same time, this transformation will save millions of hardworking motorcycle riders six hundred dollars each a year, driving clean economic prosperity.”
This collaboration underscores Ampersand’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and economic growth in Africa through innovative electric transport solutions. By leveraging BYD’s technological expertise and Ampersand’s market knowledge, the partnership aims to create a cleaner, more efficient transportation ecosystem across the continent.
