The electric vehicle (EV) industry is experiencing rapid growth in 2025, driven by rising environmental awareness, government incentives, and significant advancements in battery technology.
Key highlights
🔋 Discover how electric vehicles reshape Kenya's energy and transport sectors—one silent mile at a time.
🌍 Explore the real impact of EVs on climate change, public health, and national energy economics.
⚠️ Uncover the hidden challenges of EV adoption, from battery safety to affordability, and how innovation is tackling them.
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are powered by electricity stored in predominantly lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are ideal because of their lightweight design, high energy density, and long lifespan. They offer a vantage alternative to internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, which rely solely on fossil fuels. EVs have been around for quite a while, with many countries realizing their potential in limiting global warming to 2°C, as outlined in international climate goals.
The transport sector is known to be a significant carbon emitter, as it contributes 24% of the total recorded emissions. This issue is further aggravated by the fact that 74% of global transport occurs by road. Countries like Kenya face the additional burden of importing nearly 72% of the nation’s required oil to run daily operations. This dependence on oil imports not only contributes to environmental degradation but also drains substantial public funds, money that could otherwise be channeled into various bottom-up economic transformation agendas (BETA).
The Benefits of Electric Vehicles (EVs)
EVs offer a wide range of benefits that go beyond climate change mitigation. These include:
- Reduction in Fossil Fuel Dependence
By switching to electric power, countries reduce reliance on imported oil and mitigate risks associated with fluctuating global oil prices. - Noise Reduction
EVs are known for their quiet operation. Implementing electric-only systems like the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system may encourage private car owners to embrace public transportation, which could lessen urban congestion and road infrastructure stress. - Lower Fueling Costs
Electricity generally costs less per mile than gasoline or diesel, making EVs more cost-efficient in the long run. - Health and Air Quality Improvements
EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, significantly improving air quality and reducing respiratory health issues associated with urban smog. - Instant Torque and Performance
EVs often accelerate faster than ICE vehicles due to their ability to deliver instant torque, resulting in smoother and quicker acceleration.
Electric cars require less routine maintenance. They don’t need oil changes, have fewer moving parts, and experience less brake wear thanks to regenerative braking systems.
Through Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, EVs can help stabilize the grid by enabling two-way energy flow. This allows EVs to feed stored energy back into the grid when demand spikes.
EVs and the Kenyan Power Grid
Kenya Power Company has highlighted how EVs could stabilize the national power grid, using Kenya as a case study. Kenya’s installed generation capacity surpasses peak energy demand by more than 1,000 MW, which is also the figure used during nighttime. This shifts the demand curve sharply, leaving the excess generated electricity without an outlet. This often leads to horizontal balance instability and vertical operation control, severely impacting the secure operation of the power system, partly due to the different energy characteristics of the various renewables that are injected. This imbalance affects both the horizontal and vertical stability of the power system, complicating grid operation due to the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources.
The average passenger EV is fitted with a 40 kWh battery, which takes approximately 3–5 hours to charge fully using standard charging equipment. Once charged, it can travel up to 300 kilometers. On the other hand, electric buses require much larger batteries, often exceeding 100 kWh. These buses can reach full charge in under 3 hours using a 60-kw charger and, in return, will offer an impressive cruising range of up to 250 km.
Charging EVs at night when the electricity demand is low offers a solution. For instance, increasing nighttime consumption to above 1,500 MW through EV charging could enhance grid stability and better utilize renewable generation capacity. Companies like Moja EV in Kenya offer a portable 3.3 KW battery and send a technician to install a charging station at your home when you purchase from them, which offers convenience and time management.
Developed countries are leveraging technologies like the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) to optimize EV charging schedules intelligently. These systems consider real-time electricity price fluctuations and power grid load to determine the best times and places to charge. Some governments are also offering tax incentives, reduced electricity rates for EV charging, and public awareness campaigns to accelerate adoption.
Challenges in the Adoption of Electric Vehicles
While the advantages are clear, several barriers hinder the widespread adoption of EVs:
i. Lithium-ion Battery Hotspots and Safety Concerns
The lithium-ion battery is both a marvel and a challenge. While it delivers high performance, it also significantly contributes to the overall cost of EVs and poses potential safety risks. One major concern is thermal runaway—an uncontrollable rise in battery temperature due to an exothermic chemical reaction, which can result from manufacturing defects, internal short circuits, or exposure to high temperatures. The battery consists of many closely connected cells that are packed into modules, so any effect on one cell is likely to spread to other nearby cells and trigger a chain reaction. This could potentially lead to battery failure, fire, or explosion. Such incidents have been reported globally, sometimes with fatal consequences.
However, recent research offers hope. A study by the University of Arizona employed a Multiphysics model conducted under constant charge and discharge loads to gain relevant data. They later ran this data through the machine learning algorithms to predict Thermal Runaway rates for different battery types before they occur. This breakthrough could be integrated into the thermal management systems to issue early warnings on the affected hotspots, thereby improving safety protocols.
ii. High Purchase Costs
Another major concern is the high upfront cost of electric vehicles. While used EVs are increasingly available, many consumers still find them more expensive than their ICE model counterparts. This perception is largely tied to the cost of lithium-ion batteries.
However, studies such as those cited by The New York Times highlight that these comparisons often overlook long-term savings. EVs have significantly lower fuel and maintenance costs, which can lead to overall savings over time. Furthermore, stringent emission regulations on ICE vehicles are also increasing the cost and narrowing the affordability gap.
Technology advancements and increased production are also driving down prices. Global manufacturers, especially in Asia, are enticing buyers by offering strong discounts and developing models tailored for the mass market.
Kenya’s Path Toward E-Mobility
In Kenya, the shift toward e-mobility is gaining traction. The Kenya-Small Vehicles E-Mobility project aims to accelerate the adoption of two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles, particularly in peri-urban and rural regions. To ease the burden of high upfront costs—a key obstacle for many early adopters—the project is supported by €7.5 million in subsidies.
These efforts aim to help the local EV market reach a “take-off point,” enabling scale and efficiency. In addition to this, local startups and innovators are entering the space and customizing EV models for local needs, improving charging infrastructure, and creating employment opportunities in assembly and servicing.
Looking Ahead
The transition to electric vehicles is not merely a trend but a transformative movement toward sustainable transportation. As battery technology continues to improve and global production scales up, the affordability and practicality of EVs will continue to increase.
For developing nations like Kenya, EVs present an opportunity to build a cleaner, more resilient transport system, one that reduces reliance on oil imports, improves air quality, and drives economic inclusion.
Public-private partnerships, supportive policy frameworks, education campaigns, and investment in charging infrastructure will be critical in accelerating this shift. As the world races toward a carbon-neutral future, electric vehicles stand at the forefront of this consensus, amongst other initiatives.
