Kampala, Uganda - Spiro, a leading electric vehicle (EV) company, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its operations in Uganda.
Kampala, Uganda - July 12, 2024 - Spiro, a leading electric vehicle (EV) company, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its operations in Uganda. This milestone event, endorsed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, marks a significant step forward in Spiro’s mission to promote sustainable transportation solutions across Africa.
The launch event took place at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, showcasing Spiro's innovative electric motorbikes and smart energy ecosystem to the President as well as State House officials and Ministers.
President Museveni praised Spiro for its innovative technology and contribution to sustainable transportation. “This is good news. The electric bikes are better than our traditional ones which require diesel,” said the President. He emphasised Uganda’s commitment to environmentally friendly alternatives.
Ms. Rosa Malango, the Chairperson of the Tumaini Africa Knowledge Centre (TAKC), informed the President that 500 electric bikes are already operational in Kampala, with 150 sold in the first week. To facilitate access for boda boda riders, an instalment payment plan has been introduced.
“The price of an electric bike is $1,000, significantly cheaper than traditional diesel-powered bodas, which cost $1,480. This is about 30% cheaper,” she said. Malango also highlighted the advantages of electric bikes, including tubeless tires, an 80-kilometre battery range, and convenient charging stations across Kampala.
Mr. Gaurav Anand, Spiro’s Country Head, announced plans to partner with the Ugandan government to deploy over significant numbers of electric two-wheelers and charge-and-swap stations across the country by 2028. He noted that Spiro expects to have about 35 battery swapping stations in Kampala by the end of the year, aiming to revolutionise Uganda's transportation landscape.
Ms. Rosa Malango, the Chairperson of the Tumaini Africa Knowledge Centre, informed the President that 500 electric bikes are already operational in Kampala, with 150 sold in the first week
“The company also plans to launch electric tuk-tuks next year, further expanding its impact. We are pleased to bring the latest technology and products to the country. Each bike is equipped with a GPS tracker, allowing us to work with enforcement agencies to enhance security. We look forward to continued cooperation with the Ugandan government in various areas.”
Kaushik Burman, CEO of Spiro, expressed gratitude for the support from President Museveni, which is crucial for the successful adoption of sustainable transportation solutions in Uganda.
“His endorsement not only validates our efforts but also encourages the entire nation to embrace cleaner, more efficient modes of transport. We are honoured to have his backing as we work towards a greener future for Uganda and the entire African continent.”
Kampala is home to an estimated 100,000 boda bodas (motorbike taxis), which play a crucial role in the city’s transportation system. By introducing Spiro's electric motorbikes, we aim to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of these vehicles. Drawing on our experience in Kenya, Benin, Togo, Rwanda, and Nigeria, we are well-positioned to make a substantial positive impact on both the environment and the livelihoods of boda boda riders in Kampala.
Our presence will not only improve air quality but also offer economic benefits by reducing fuel costs and maintenance expenses for riders. Spiro’s expansion into Uganda will also have a positive economic impact. The establishment of our operations will create numerous job opportunities for local communities.
The Spiro Academy, based at our new manufacturing plant, will provide advanced training programmes to equip local youth with the skills needed for the EV industry. This initiative aligns with our commitment to upskilling local talent and fostering economic development.
Our main showroom on Port Bell Road, Kampala, will serve as the central hub for our operations, providing customers with access to our latest products and services.
Spiro has already developed around 35 brick-and-mortar swapping and charging stations across Kampala and is working with partners such as Yongeza Capital to expand our network of swapping, fast charging, and home charging options quickly. Our main showroom on Port Bell Road, Kampala, will serve as the central hub for our operations, providing customers with access to our latest products and services. These partnerships are crucial for ensuring the rapid deployment and accessibility of our electric vehicle infrastructure, enhancing user convenience, and promoting the adoption of sustainable transportation solutions.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for endorsing Spiro’s sustainable transportation plan. His support is invaluable in driving the adoption of clean energy solutions and improving the quality of life for all Ugandans. This endorsement is a testament to the strong partnership between Spiro and the Ugandan government, united in our commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future.
About Spiro
- Spiro operates 17,000 electric motorbikes across seven African countries, including Benin, Togo, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Nigeria, with plans to launch in Ghana later this year. Our network has facilitated over 10 million battery swaps with 45,000 batteries currently in operation, making us a leader in Africa’s most advanced smart energy ecosystem.
- Our innovative battery swapping technology allows riders to exchange batteries easily and safely in a matter of seconds at our battery swapping stations.
- Spiro is delivering clean energy and sustainable transportation in Benin, Togo, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Nigeria, with plans to launch in Ghana later this year.
- Spiro riders have collectively driven over a quarter of a BILLION KM without polluting Earth's atmosphere.
- Spiro is at the forefront of Africa's transition to sustainable transportation. Our riders have swapped batteries 10.5 million times in the last 2 years.
- Spiro's technical innovation centre, based in Pune, has developed the technology platforms to deliver a Pan African smart energy ecosystem, powering the transition to sustainable transportation across the continent.
- Spiro is a subsidiary of Equitane, a global conglomerate focused on creating sustainable and innovative solutions across diverse industries. With a mission to lead responsible development worldwide, Equitane invests in and supports companies that align with its vision of integrating sustainability into business practices. The group is made up of leading subsidiaries in sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare, agribusiness, and technology, each contributing uniquely to our collective impact.