An electric motorcycle built entirely in Africa and running only on solar energy set off on Sunday, 29 September 2024, from Nairobi on a journey to Stellenbosch. This trip showcases African ingenuity and determination. It marks what is likely the first long-distance test of a solar-powered electric motorcycle designed and manufactured in Africa, covering approximately 6,000 km. It’s also part of South Africa’s Transport Month celebration, a fitting tribute to green innovation.
Teamwork in Action: Stellenbosch University and Roam Join Forces
Stellenbosch University (SU)’s Faculty of Engineering has teamed up with Roam, a tech-forward electric mobility company from Nairobi, to put the Roam Air motorcycle to the test. The Roam Air is built specifically for African cities, designed to handle urban roads and local energy needs.
Professor Thinus Booysen, founder of SU’s Electric Mobility Lab, explains, “We want to inspire others and show that travelling with green energy is not only possible but practical.” The hope is to raise awareness and educate the public about the potential for clean energy in everyday travel.
Two support vehicles are accompanying the electric motorcycle, with plans for the team to arrive in Stellenbosch by Friday, 18 October. This arrival will coincide with the University’s Electric Mobility Day, a celebration of clean energy solutions.
Image courtesy of Roam.
Building Partnerships through Testing and Research
Roam generously donated two electric motorcycles to the Electric Mobility Lab for research and testing. Professor Booysen notes, “Testing this motorcycle overland is an incredible opportunity to explore electric mobility within Africa’s unique conditions.”
Stellenbosch University’s Electric Mobility Lab focuses on the infrastructure and operational adjustments needed for electric mobility in Africa. The team is examining what’s needed to make electric travel viable across the continent.
This collaboration between SU and Roam aims to develop practical solutions, from electric motorcycles to supporting infrastructure. The goal is to build electric vehicles that fit local conditions and establish a foundation for electric urban transport.
“This journey is proof of Kenya’s ability to design and build top-quality electric vehicles for local conditions,” says Masa Kituyi, Roam’s Electric Mobility Product Owner. Kituyi and SU PhD candidate Stephan Lacock are leading the motorcycle through this ambitious cross-country ride.
The SU research team is closely watching how the motorcycle’s drivetrain performs, how effective the swappable batteries are, and how well solar recharging holds up over the long-distance trek.
Image courtesy of Roam.
Launch of the Electric Mobility Lab at Stellenbosch
On 18 October, SU officially launched its Electric Mobility Lab at Asara Wine Estate. Highlights of the event will include the handover of a retrofitted 65-seater electric bus to Golden Arrow Bus Service and the presentation of the motorcycle from Roam.
This journey is backed by organisations like Scatec, Balancell, Voetspore, Tracks for Africa, Bush Lapa, and SANEDI, among others. Representatives from government, industry, and research are expected to attend the event, which will feature live demonstrations of electric vehicles and charging solutions.
Read some press coverage: https://www.roam-electric.com/post/roam-embarks-on-a-historic-6000-km-solar-powered-expedition-from-nairobi-to-stellenbosch
