Kenyan electric mobility company Roam is preparing to launch 10 additional solar-powered Roam Hubs in Nairobi, supported by funding from ENERGICA, an initiative under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program. This project aims to enhance the adoption of sustainable and cost-effective transportation solutions for electric motorcycle riders in the city.
The new Roam Hubs will provide affordable battery rentals, optimized charging facilities, and swift after-sales services. Each hub is projected to handle 400 to 500 transactions daily, catering to both battery charging and rentals. This initiative is designed to make electric mobility more accessible and transform Nairobi’s urban transportation landscape into a cleaner and more efficient system.
In a press statement, Roam revealed that it is one of three demonstration sites selected in Africa by ENERGICA to develop region-specific, innovative clean energy technologies. “While Roam focuses on expanding clean transport in Kenya, other demonstration sites include Madagascar, where nano-grids are being developed for renewable water and food production, and Freetown, Sierra Leone, where biogas and water purification systems are advancing energy, water, and fertilizer production,” the company stated.
The solar charging infrastructure at the Roam Hubs will underpin the affordability of the services, offering additional savings of KSh 10-15 per kWh compared to conventional electricity. This cost efficiency is expected to drive the adoption of electric motorcycles and contribute to a reduction in urban pollution.
Roam emphasized the alignment of the ENERGICA project with its broader mission of advancing low-emission transport solutions. “The ENERGICA project aligns seamlessly with Roam’s mission to provide innovative, low-emission transport solutions,” the statement read.
Overall, the launch of these 10 solar-powered Roam Hubs marks a significant step towards sustainable urban transportation in Nairobi, supported by international collaboration and funding aimed at promoting clean energy technologies across Africa.
