SUN Mobility launches battery swapping network in Kenya
The network, launched in partnership with Vivo Energy, supports electric motorcycles, scooters, passenger tuk-tuks and cargo three-wheelers from multiple vehicle manufacturers.
NAIROBI, Kenya – SUN Mobility has unveiled an open-architecture battery swapping network across Nairobi and Mombasa, marking the beginning of its ambitious expansion across Africa. In partnership with Vivo Energy, the network accommodates electric motorcycles, scooters, passenger tuk-tuks, and cargo three-wheelers from multiple manufacturers.
This open system encourages competition among vehicle manufacturers, providing riders with more choices and reducing reliance on proprietary networks. The technology promises substantial savings, with users potentially cutting their operating costs by up to 35 percent for daily commutes of 150 kilometers compared to traditional petrol vehicles.
As a pilot market, Kenya will serve as the launchpad for SUN Mobility's broader African strategy, building upon an existing network in India that supports over 125,000 electric vehicles through more than 2,000 swapping stations in 25 cities. Co-Founder and CEO of SUN Mobility, Ajay Goel, emphasized the benefits of the open system for riders, fleet operators, and financiers alike, promising flexibility and confidence in electric vehicle infrastructure.
SUN Mobility's platform features Smart Batteries, Quick Interchange Stations, and a cloud-based Smart Network to manage assets and optimize customer experience. The system has already been tested with vehicles from more than 10 manufacturers, including Afrina Neopower, BGauss, Fika Mobility, Motovolt, Odysse, Piaggio, QJ-YY, Sprocomm, VMoto, and Wylex.
These manufacturers plan to introduce their vehicles in Kenya shortly. Vivo Energy, a leading energy provider across Africa, is also on board, operating over 4,200 service stations in 29 countries. The collaboration aims to strategically place battery-swapping stations at familiar service locations, making electric mobility more accessible.
Over the next five years, SUN Mobility aims to deploy 160,000 electric vehicles and 2,500 battery-swapping stations across Africa, starting with Kenya and expanding through Vivo Energy's pan-African network. Founded in 2017, SUN Mobility currently manages more than 2,000 battery-swapping stations in India, facilitating over 70 million battery swaps and covering two billion kilometers of travel.
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