**MojaEV Kenya to Launch Local Assembly of Electric Vehicles**
MojaEV Kenya Ltd., an electric vehicle distributor based in Nairobi, is set to commence local assembly of fully built Chinese electric vehicles starting in August. This initiative aims to facilitate exports to various African markets. Initially, the assembly will take place at Associated Vehicle Assemblers Ltd. in Mombasa, with plans for MojaEV to establish its own factory in the future, which will focus on integrating battery and solar components.
According to Erick Lumallas, an aide to MojaEV’s CEO, the company has secured contracts with original equipment manufacturers who will provide the necessary expertise for factory construction. “We have contracts in place,” Lumallas stated, emphasizing the collaborative effort to build the assembly plant. This move is strategically designed to mitigate the high import taxes that currently burden the electric vehicle sector in Kenya.
The new factory is projected to assemble up to 300 vehicles per month, with annual sales expected to reach 1,500 units. Lumallas highlighted that the electric vehicle industry in Kenya faces significant challenges due to taxes, which include a 35% import duty, a 20% excise tax, a 1.5% railway development levy, a 2.5% fuel levy, and a 16% value-added tax. Additional costs such as port charges, handling fees, and storage further complicate the import process. In contrast, locally assembled electric vehicles are only subject to VAT, making them more competitively priced.
By producing vehicles locally, MojaEV aims to offer entry-level models at prices lower than the current range of 2.5 million to 7.5 million shillings for high-end units. Launched by Chinese investors last year, MojaEV has already begun exporting to Tanzania and plans to expand its distribution network to countries including Rwanda, Uganda, Mauritius, Ghana, Nigeria, Botswana, and Zambia. The company’s portfolio features various brands, including SUVs like Skyworth and Neta, sedans such as GSE and Wuling, double cabin pickups like Riddara, and Foton buses and trucks.
To tackle the issue of limited charging infrastructure in Kenya, each vehicle from MojaEV is equipped with an on-board charger that can be plugged into standard wall sockets, along with a stationary charger for installation in buildings or parking areas. Given that 70% of Kenyans rely on public transport, MojaEV is also in discussions with major transport companies to transition their fleets to electric buses.
In summary, MojaEV Kenya Ltd. is poised to make a significant impact on the electric vehicle market in Kenya and beyond, with plans for local assembly and a commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.
**FAQ**
**What is MojaEV Kenya’s plan for local assembly?**
MojaEV Kenya plans to start local assembly of electric vehicles in August, initially partnering with Associated Vehicle Assemblers Ltd. in Mombasa, with future plans to build its own factory.
