For Immediate Release

Spiro, Africa’s Largest EV Player, Expands Presence in Togo and Benin with Launch of First Automated Swap Stations

19 February 2024

Cotonou, Benin – Spiro, recognized as Africa's Largest EV Player, is excited to announce a major expansion of its services in Benin by introducing the country’s first Automated Battery Swap Station in Cotonou, following a similar launch in Lomé, Togo, last week.

Spiro's announcement to launch 50 new state-of-the-art automated smart battery swapping and charging stations by the end of May builds on the solid foundation Spiro has established since its entry into the West Africa market in 2022, complementing an existing network of manual swap stations. The introduction of the new automated stations provides riders with greater choice and the latest in EV technology access.

Network Enhancement and Technological Progress

Spiro, with a strong presence across Africa, operates 600 swap stations and has facilitated over 7 million battery swaps for its community of 12,000 riders, including more than 10,000 across West Africa. The rollout of automated swap stations marks a significant step forward in convenience and technology, offering riders a streamlined and efficient swapping experience that reinforces Spiro’s dedication to innovation and environmental sustainability.

Spiro's Electric Motorbikes, State-of-Charge cloud monitored batteries, and Automated Smart Battery Swapping Stations add up to a game-changing Pan-African Smart Energy Ecosystem.

Advantages of Spiro's Battery Swapping Technology

Addressing key challenges in EV adoption, Spiro’s battery swapping technology offers an effective solution to long charging times and range concerns. Automated swap stations allow for rapid battery exchanges, boosting Spiro’s service efficiency and supporting the uninterrupted operation of both commercial and private riders.

Spiro has recently rolled out a State of Charge energy model, meaning that the level of charge in each battery is monitored in real time. This benefits the rider, who only pays for the energy they use, and also helps to charge the batteries effectively and reduce degradation.

Safety and Quality

"Our automated swap stations, paired with Spiro batteries, represent the pinnacle of safety and quality in the EV market" says Spiro CTO, Samir Mishra. "These stations are designed to offer our customers a seamless and secure experience, ensuring that every swap transparently conveys the exact value customers are paying for. The batteries are connected to the cloud around the clock make sure they meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.

"At Spiro, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of technology to provide solutions that are not only just innovative but also trustworthy, impactful and life changing, bringing smile to customers face by adding a bit more cash to their pocket each day. We are raising the bar for electric mobility across Africa."

Ongoing Expansion and Technological Development

The introduction of Cotonou and Lomé’s first automated swap stations signifies just the beginning of Spiro’s plans to deploy more sophisticated stations throughout West Africa and beyond. These initiatives are part of Spiro’s strategy to advance its technological infrastructure, presenting riders with an efficient, reliable, and eco-friendly alternative to conventional fuels.

As a team we're obsessed with delivering superior customer experience by bringing affordable, high quality electric vehicles powered by battery swapping in the safest manner. As the largest player in electric mobility in Africa, we are committed to scaling Spiro with strategic partners, across multiple countries.

- Kaushik Burman, Spiro's CEO

Team Spiro celebrate the launch of the first Automated Smart Swap Station in Togo. Fifty more will go live across Africa in the next 3 months.

"At this pivotal moment, as Spiro launches its first Automated Smart Battery Swap Station in Togo, it's a reflection of ATIF's core values in action. Spiro is enhancing its electric mobility ecosystem across Africa; in a way that reflects the whole ATIF Group commitment to sustainability, innovation, and local empowerment. Through Spiro, we're seeing the tangible impact of our investment philosophy, focused on ecological balance, community development, and technological advancement. The rapid development of our Pan African Smart Energy Network is enabling new jobs and empowering young people to contribute to the health, wealth and environment of their communities. This initiative mirrors our dedication to creating sustainable infrastructure that benefits local communities and the environment, marking a significant step towards a greener future for Africa. Spiro’s progress exemplifies how ATIF can drive economic development, foster innovation, and promote social responsibility across the continent."

- Anish Jain, CEO of Spiro's parent company, ATIF

Strategic Partnership Approach

We are thrilled to unveil the first Automated Battery Swap Station in Cotonou, marking a milestone in our journey to enhance electric mobility across Africa

- Brice Houndonougbo, Head of Spiro in Benin

Spiro's partnership strategy is intrinsically linked to its tech stack and vision for a Pan-African smart energy ecosystem. This approach is designed to foster collaborations that provide access to asset finance, swap station franchises, fleet delivery, and more, enabling a comprehensive network of services that support the growth and accessibility of EVs across Africa. By working with respected partners, such as Wato and Mogo, both recently announced in Kenya, Spiro is able to amplify its impact and reach, driving forward the development of the EV and clean energy sectors on the continent.

“Spiro is committed to launch a wide range of multiple products across different segments in Africa, both two and three wheelers. We are working with a range of strategic suppliers to ensure high product quality, new age tech adoption and better service reliability . The automated swap stations are testimony to our commitment”

- Rohit Pandita, Head of Products and Strategic Sourcing

Statement from Rahul Gaur, Head of Spiro Togo

"We are excited to launch the first Automated Battery Swap Station in Togo, a significant development in our mission to enhance electric mobility across Africa," stated Rahul Gaur, Head of Spiro Togo. "Since our entry into Togo in 2022, we’ve aimed to provide our riders with cutting-edge solutions tailored to their needs. Introducing automated stations to our manual swap station network offers our riders more technological options and convenience. This underscores our commitment to elevating the riding experience and leading the shift towards sustainable transportation in Africa."

About Spiro

Spiro is Africa's Largest EV Player, with over 12,000 innovative electric bikes spread across the continent. Through its pioneering battery swapping technology, Spiro allows riders to quickly and safely exchange batteries, having facilitated over 7 million swaps at its 600 stations. The technical innovation teams in Pune and Bangalore have been instrumental in developing the platforms that underpin a Pan-African smart energy ecosystem, leading the way towards sustainable transportation across Africa. Spiro proudly serves riders in Togo, Benin, Kenya, Rwanda, and is planning expansions into Uganda and Nigeria.

Contact

Lee Breheny

Chief Communications Officer at Equitane Group

+447590847020

Notes to Editors:

Spiro is Africa's Largest EV Player, with a fleet of more than 12,000 innovative electric bikes across the continent. Its groundbreaking battery swapping technology enables swift and secure battery exchanges at its stations, contributing to a Pan-African smart energy ecosystem. The collaborative efforts of the technical innovation teams in Pune and Bangalore have been crucial in driving the transition to sustainable transportation in Togo, Benin, Kenya, Rwanda, and beyond, with plans to reach Uganda and Nigeria later this year.