Ampersand, one of Africa’s leading electric vehicle (EV) energy tech companies, has announced the opening of a new, larger manufacturing facility in Nairobi, a move that will triple its production capacity in Kenya. This strategic expansion allows Ampersand to keep pace with the country’s rapidly growing demand for electric motorcycles, where over 1,100 of its e-motos are already operational. The expansion aligns with the company’s mission to revolutionize transportation in Africa by offering a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional motorcycles.
The new 21,000-square-meter facility, more than three times the size of the previous site, enables Ampersand to ramp up production to 60 electric motorcycles per day or 1,440 per month. In addition to scaling production, Ampersand continues to operate Kenya’s most trusted battery swap network, a critical infrastructure for the millions of commercial motorcycle riders who rely on quick, seamless battery exchanges to keep their businesses running.
Ampersand’s sustainable EV solutions offer both environmental and economic benefits. Each electric motorcycle prevents at least two metric tons of CO2 equivalent from being emitted annually, and riders see an average 45% increase in income, thanks to savings on fuel and maintenance. This is particularly significant in Kenya, where most commercial riders support several dependents.
The Nairobi factory expansion follows a successful model established by Ampersand in Rwanda, where the company has pioneered the adoption of electric motorcycles. Combined, Ampersand’s e-moto fleet in Kigali and Nairobi covers over 4.5 million kilometers weekly, providing a cleaner transportation option for urban mobility. With this momentum, Ampersand is well-positioned to continue its expansion across East Africa, where millions of petrol motorcycles are used daily for taxi and delivery services.
Moreover, Ampersand’s growth trajectory is bolstered by strong investor confidence. The company recently secured an additional $2 million in funding, bringing its total raised capital to $21.5 million in the last 12 months. This follows a significant $19.5 million investment in January 2024. The company said that these funds would fuel further expansion, product development, and the scaling of Ampersand’s EV solutions across the continent. Investors’ commitment reflects their belief in Ampersand’s vision of electrifying millions of motorcycles in Africa and providing sustainable, affordable transportation alternatives.
“Our new Nairobi factory is a major step forward in both scale and impact,” said Josh Whale, CEO of Ampersand. “With this expanded capacity, we’re better positioned to support the electrification of Africa’s commercial motorcycle transport and scale our proven business model.”
Ampersand’s ultimate goal is to deploy 5 million electric motorcycles by 2033, revolutionizing transportation in a region where petrol motorcycles dominate the landscape. By continuing to innovate and expand its operations, Ampersand is making strides toward a future where African cities are powered by clean energy, creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.
