Scatec leading the way
Nairobi to Stellenbosch
Two electric motorcycles, designed and built in Africa by Roam and powered by the sun, have been driven from Nairobi to Stellenbosch in just 17 days, powered by passionate enthusiasts from Stellenbosch University in South Africa and Roam Air. According to SU, this incredible ride ‘showcases African ingenuity.’
Researchers from the Faculty of Engineering at Stellenbosch University (SU) teamed up with Roam, described as ‘a technology-driven electric mobility company in Nairobi, Kenya,’ to test the Roam Air, which is a tailored electric motorcycle designed in Kenya for Africa, and to be used in urban settings.
SU have indicated that this is the first time that electric motorcycles developed in Africa have driven approximately 6 000 km purely powered with solar power. “Roam donated two of its electric motorcycles to our group for research and testing,” explains Prof Thinus Booysen, founder of the Electric Mobility Lab. “We cannot think of a better way to kick-start our research collaboration than testing the motorcycle overland. To do this within the African fraternity of ingenuity is an enormous privilege.”
On the way forward, SU states that: ‘Researchers at the newly founded Electric Mobility Lab at the Department of Industrial Engineering are spearheading research on electric mobility on the continent. They focus on the region’s unique modes of mobility and the required infrastructure and operational adaptations. Together, SU and Roam intend to develop and apply research on electric vehicles and the supporting ecosystem, including but not limited to the electric motorcycles, electric vehicle powertrains, local manufacturing, and digital pilots for planning for electric urban mobility.’
“This journey showcases Kenya’s ability to design and locally manufacture world-class electric vehicles for African conditions. It’s a testament to local innovation, leading the way in sustainable mobility solutions,” says Masa Kituyi EM Product Owner at Roam. Kituyi, and Stephan Lacock, a PhD candidate and co-researcher on the project, drove the motorcycles.
“The emphasis is not on the whether such a trip can be done as there has been other similar journeys in the world, but rather to showcase African ingenuity and collaboration between SU and Roam to overcome African conditions with green solar energy,” comments Lacock.
According to the SU research team, they are amongst others, interested in observing ‘the performance of the drivetrain and swappable batteries, as well as the efficacy of the solar recharging solution.’
The trip from Nairobi to Stellenbosch is made possible by the support of Scatec, Balancell, Voetspore, Tracks for Africa, Bush Lapa, SANEDI through the LEAP-RE project, and Charlie’s Travel.
