IZI Electric has unveiled the Impala E30, a 30-seater electric coach engineered specifically for Africa’s public transport needs. Purpose-built to endure the continent’s terrain and climate, the Impala E30 sets a new benchmark for electric mobility in Africa with its industry-first 10-year/1-million-kilometer battery warranty—a major leap forward in both trust and financing confidence.
Powered by CATL’s BC5 battery system, the Impala E30 stands out not just for its technology, but for how well it meets the region’s unique operating conditions. According to IZI Electric CEO Alex Wilson, the long battery warranty addresses one of the largest concerns of fleet operators and investors: long-term battery performance.
“Our 10-year warranty fundamentally changes the game,” Wilson said. “It eliminates the uncertainty of battery replacement, which is often the biggest cost barrier in an electric vehicle’s lifecycle.”
Designed for Africa, Not Just Adapted
While many electric buses are imported and retrofitted, the Impala E30 was designed from the ground up to handle Africa’s diverse environments. It features marine-grade anti-corrosion materials, reinforced waterproofing for tropical zones, a heat-optimized battery system, and upgraded suspension for unpaved roads. From high humidity to rough terrain, this vehicle is ready to work wherever it’s needed.
Economically Unbeatable
The Impala E30’s financial advantage is particularly striking. With pricing 10–40% lower than equivalent models from China and Europe, and daily energy costs as low as $8, the coach significantly undercuts diesel costs. A typical intercity bus consuming $64 worth of diesel daily would see fuel savings of over $204,000 over 10 years with the Impala.
“This represents up to 87% fuel savings,” Wilson explained. “For transport operators, it’s not just environmentally responsible—it’s economically transformative.”
Smart Technology for Smarter Operations
Every Impala E30 is equipped with IZI Connect, a smart fleet management system that tracks vehicle performance in real time, predicts maintenance needs, and provides data-driven insights into driver behavior and route optimization. This intelligence layer ensures not only better operational efficiency but also maximized vehicle lifespan.
A Direct Replacement for the Coaster
The Impala E30 is positioned as a direct electric replacement for the popular Toyota Coaster, which dominates transport fleets across Africa—from airport shuttles in Nairobi to school buses in Rwanda. With over 100,000 diesel Coasters in operation continent-wide, the switch to electric offers massive potential.
“Replacing even half of these would save over $1 billion annually in fuel costs and cut 2.7 million tonnes of carbon emissions, said Wilson. “That’s the scale of what’s possible.”
Backed by Renewable Energy Momentum
Africa’s electric mobility shift is bolstered by its access to clean energy. Countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda already generate over 80% of their electricity from renewables, making the region uniquely positioned to lead in zero-emission transport adoption.
Demand is Already Surging
With over 50 pre-orders secured across East Africa, and the first fleet rolling out by July 2025, IZI Electric is clearly answering a market need.
Founded in 2023, IZI Electric has already saved 77,000 litres of diesel, mitigated 195 tonnes of CO2, and logged over 220,000 electric kilometers. The launch of the Impala E30 solidifies its role as a key player in driving Africa’s sustainable transport revolution.
