Ghana is trying its best to be part of Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) movement.
Wahu Mobility seems to have risen to the challenge now that it has opened From Ghana first EV assembly plant with the capacity to build about 200 e-bikes per month, CNN reports. The e-mobility brand was founded to create a more sustainable last-mile delivery option.
“It really struck me that I didn’t want mobility to be fulfilled by gasoline engines,” Valerie Labi, co-founder and CEO of Wahu Mobility, told CNN. “By 2030 there will be 30 million delivery drivers across Africa and it made me think that as a continent we are being more conscious about becoming more sustainable and moving towards net zero.”
Labi added, “And transportation was just a huge opportunity to make a difference in that way.”
According to the outlet, Wahu Mobility’s e-bikes take about four hours to charge. Labi also noted that the e-bikes are designed to suit Ghana’s infrastructure and road conditions. To further support drivers making the switch to EV, the company also offers a payment plan to offset the costs.
“Demand was very high,” says Ian Mbote, head of technology at Wahu Mobility. “Our vehicle does not only meet the needs of a Ghanaian customer. It meets the needs of a South African customer, a Zambian customer. And that is why I see enormous opportunities.”
Labi also believes that if the company takes the right steps, it could have the potential to secure partnerships on the African continent and sell into Europe, Asia and other markets.
“A lot of manufacturing needs to happen in Asia, so looking at how we localize components is a huge opportunity for local artisans,” she said. “We can scale this facility up to 2,000 bicycles per month.”
While the Wahu Mobility team is confident in its vision for the future, the team is also aware of the high costs and lack of accessibility associated with the transition to EV.
“Africa as we know it is not the ideal scenario for grid power or conventional energy sources,” Mbote said. “Not many people have access to electricity as we know it. In my opinion on how we can best approach this and still scale up e-mobility, we need to look at off-grid solutions.”
Nevertheless, Labi said Wahu Mobility is selling its e-bikes in Togo, has a partnership with East Africa and is exploring North African markets. Within the next two years, she hopes her company’s e-bikes will be available in most major cities on the continent.
