Greener mobility in Kenya continues to take shape with the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). A report by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), shows that EV adoption in Kenya grew by 600% to 3,700 cars in December 2023.....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
In June 2024, EPRA rolled out the Tusonge na EVs campaign, which aimed to raise awareness of e-mobility and encourage the adoption of EVs in the country.
“While the Kenyan hybrid car market is still emerging, the combination of economic, environmental, and policy factors is creating a favourable environment for its growth.
“Hybrid vehicles are set to play a crucial role in the country’s transition towards greener mobility,” said Thee Agata. A hybrid car uses both an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor for propulsion.
There are three types of hybrid vehicles: Plug-in hybrids that require charging, mild hybrids that recharge as you drive, and hybrids that use the engine to charge.
According to The Agata, hybrid cars in Kenya, such as the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight, and the recently popular Toyota Axio and Fielder hybrids, are known for their superior fuel efficiency compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
“These cars typically offer mileage ranging from 20 to 35 km per litre, depending on the model and driving conditions. This efficiency makes them appealing in a country where fuel prices are high and unpredictable,” he said.
The government’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and Kenya Power’s introduction of charging infrastructure have seen a more significant shift in the hybrid car market.
“Additionally, as global car manufacturers push towards electrification, more affordable and advanced hybrid models are likely to enter the Kenyan market, further boosting demand,” he added.
The Toyota Prius hybrid comes with an engine of 2.0L 4-cylinder Hybrid, which is electronically controlled Continuous Variable Transmission (ECVT).
The car’s fuel consumption is 22 km/l, with horsepower ranging between 194 FWD and 196 AWD. The Honda Fit hybrid comes with an engine capacity of between 1,339 and 1,496 cc.
The car has a fuel consumption rate of between 20 and 37.2 kilometres per litre. Honda Insight fuel consumption ranges from 24 to 35.3 kilometres per litre.
Toyota Corolla Fielder hybrid engine can cover, on average, 26 km/l fuel consumption. This is one of the sport utility vehicles (SUVs) that can save on fuel.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV fuel consumption is between 16.4 and 19.0 km/litre. Nissan Note e-Power is a hybrid vehicle that a small-capacity petrol engine as a generator.
Its oil consumption ranges from 26.3 to 37.0 kilometres per litre. Another vehicle that can save on fuel as it conserves the environment is the Toyota Noah hybrid.
The car comes with an engine capacity whose fuel efficiency is 20.2 kilometres per litre. At number eight is Lexus RX450, which comes with a massive 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with electric motors.
The car has a fuel consumption range of between 14.45 and 15.31 km per litre. The future of greener mobility in Kenya depends on various factors, ranging from climate change solutions to fuel efficiency and costs.
Most industry players recommended using Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) fuel-powered engines as an alternative to offset the rising prices of petrol and diesel.
According to Kenya Auto Bazaar Association secretary-general Charles Munyori, the prices of second-hand vehicles had declined between January and June.
Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) 2023 report showed that the country intends to import 20,000 units of electric vehicles (EVs)…CONTINUE READING>>
