Africa’s shift towards electric two- and three-wheelers is gaining momentum as new investment targets the leading transport modes in many of the continent’s cities.
ARC Ride has secured $33.3 million (£24.6 million) in financing from investors including Novastar Ventures, Norrsken22, the International Finance Corporation, British International Investment and Proparco to expand battery-swapping infrastructure and affordable electric transport.
The model focuses on two- and three-wheelers, enabling riders to exchange depleted batteries at dedicated stations rather than buying and charging batteries themselves.
This follows other BRICS+ countries that are making the move towards EVs for the public’s day-today travel.
The approach is designed to reduce upfront costs and limit charging downtime, supporting the transition from conventional motorcycles and other urban transport.
The funding will support expansion in Kenya, including Nairobi and the Western region, alongside plans to add 5,000 electric motorcycles to its fleet.
Jo Hurst Croft, Founder of ARC Ride, said: “This funding reinforces our vision of building a robust, scalable energy and mobility network across Africa.
“Our ambition is to make electric mobility the default choice for riders across Africa by making it more accessible, more affordable and more practical than petrol alternatives. This funding allows us to scale the infrastructure required to support that transition and to do so at pace.”
Expansion is also planned across Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda, while investment will be directed towards automated battery swaps, smart charging and renewable energy integration.
The move reflects a broader shift in how electric mobility is being deployed across emerging markets, where motorcycles, scooters, three-wheelers and shared transport can play a greater role than private cars.
With transport accounting for significant oil consumption, electrifying widely used two- and three-wheelers could help reduce fuel demand while lowering emissions and operating costs for riders.
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