Zembo, an automotive company based in Uganda, scored undisclosed funding round from EEP Africa and it plans to roll out over 200 electric bikes on the market.
In a statement posted on social media, EEP Africa said the bikes will be unveiled in a period of 18 months.
“With EEP Africa financing, Zembo is replacing standard, internal combustion engine, gasoline guzzling, carbon-emitting motorcycle taxis (“boda-bodas”) with battery-powered, solar recharging electric models,” reads the statement.
“The first pilot taxis are already on the streets and instantly popular with drivers and passengers for being clean and quiet. Over the next 18 months, Zembo plans to roll out 200 more motorcycles and 10 battery recharging stations.”
EEP Africa finances (and rides on!) first #greentaxis in Kampala. @gozembo is replacing “boda-bodas” with battery-powered, #solar recharging electric models. The first #pilot taxis are already on the streets and 200 more motorcycles and 10 battery re-charging stations are coming! pic.twitter.com/PNnrgbXLEg
— EEP Africa (@EEP_Africa) August 28, 2019
EEP is a multi-donor fund providing early-stage grant and catalytic financing to innovative clean energy projects, technologies and business models.
The organization’s Fund Manager Charles Wetherill recently came to Kampala where he observed the company’s pilot project which kicked off in October of 2018.
Some of the bikes are being used by SafeBoda riders.
Zembo was started by two French engineers Daniel Dreher and Etienne Saint-Sernin.
Its electric motorcycles are powered by Lithium batteries which are recharged using solar energy.
Aside from the latest financing round, the company had already received support from other five organizations, including the French ministry of environment.
Electric vehicles are being seen as game-changers because of their contribution to environmental conservation and the possibility of reducing transport costs.
The company did not immediately comment for this story for questions on prices and how much money they have raised.
This company will be competing with Bodawerk which is making a number of EVs, looking at different sectors, including agriculture and urban transportation.
(Image credit: The Verge)