Uganda launches first electric commuter taxi

Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | Thanks to a partnership between Freedom EV Electrical SMC Ltd and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Uganda has introduced its first fully electric commuter taxi.

The vehicle, produced by the Dongfeng Automobile Company (DFAC) in China, can travel between 250 and 300 kilometers on one battery charge and costs only 40,000 shillings. This makes it more economical than conventional diesel and gasoline-powered vans.

The van costs 120 million shillings and comes with a three-year or 100,000-kilometer warranty, which includes free servicing during the warranty period.

Ratan Tayal, managing director of Freedom EV in Kampala, stressed that the cost was relatively low compared to the usual 14-seater minibuses, which cost Sh80 million.

Tayal acknowledged that Uganda's public transport sector generally prefers 14-seater and larger vehicles, but noted that the 10-seater model is the standard in the initial markets of China and Nepal. He assured that 14- and 28-seater buses will soon be available in Uganda, with seats being adjusted to better accommodate Ugandan passengers.

Tayal also called on the government to increase collaboration with private electric vehicle dealers to make these eco-friendly options more affordable and accessible to Ugandans, as current prices remain unaffordable for many.

“If the government could subsidise electricity generation and also make it easier to purchase electric vehicles, it would pave the way for the energy transition,” said Tayal.

Jafari Abuyi, Marketing Manager at Freedom EV Electrical SMC Ltd, pointed out that the vehicles are cheaper than they would be without government support for renewable energy innovations.

He explained that the government had, for example, waived import duties on purely electric vehicles, thus helping to reduce costs.

The new electric taxis will initially operate from the Bwaise KALOCEN Terminal (Bwaise Taxi Park), which is also the headquarters of Freedom EV Electrical SMC Ltd, and serve routes along the Entebbe Expressway.

Col. Frederick Makanga Bogere, Managing Director of KALOCEN Investments, explained that their decision to participate in the electric taxi project was driven by their commitment to be a pioneer in environmental protection and energy transition in the passenger transport sector.

Colonel Bogere stressed that as the world moves towards green energy and sustainability, sooner or later everyone will have to switch to electric vehicles.

“We are so used to liquid fuels that it will take time for Ugandans to embrace mobility needs. Therefore, it is necessary for the government to sensitize the public on this transitional development,” he said.

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Sam Serugunda, a taxi driver at Bweyogerere Stage in Bwaise Park, believes the cost of the electric minibus is reasonable, especially when compared to the Sh80 million one would spend on buying used Toyota buses that would need constant refuelling and maintenance and frequent replacement of parts.

He adds that the lower maintenance costs of electric vehicles will eliminate the need for high transport tariffs.

“When I go to Luwero, I spend Sh120,000 on petrol, but with the electric car, I only need Sh20,000 to charge the battery, so why can’t I charge the passenger Sh3,000?” he said.

To make the purchase more affordable, the company is working with banks to offer installment plans that allow buyers to secure a unit with a down payment of as little as Sh25 million.