Solar-powered electric motorcycle begins 6,000km journey from Nairobi to Stellenbosch

An electric motorcycle designed and built in Africa that is powered only by the sun started its journey from Nairobi on Sunday, September 29, 2024, en route to Stellenbosch.

It is considered a revolutionary example of African ingenuity and is believed to be the first time that electric motorcycles developed in Africa will travel the approximately 6,000 km solely using solar energy as an energy source.

The expedition is partly to celebrate Transport Month in South Africa.

Researchers from the Faculty of Engineering at Stellenbosch University (SU) have teamed up with Roam, a technology-focused electric mobility company in Nairobi, Kenya, to test the Roam Air, a customized electric motorcycle developed in Kenya for Africa. The motorcycle is used in urban areas.

Prof. Thinus Booysen, founder of the Electric Mobility Lab, said this morning that the project is also about inspiring people: “We want to educate and create awareness to show that it can be done – and more importantly that it is possible with “green energy.”

Accompanied by two support vehicles, the electric motorcycle is expected to arrive in Stellenbosch on Monday 18 October – just in time for the university’s Electric Mobility Day celebration.

Previously, Booysen explained that Roam donated two of its electric motorcycles to the laboratory for research and testing purposes. “We can’t think of a better way to boost our research collaboration than by testing the motorcycle overland. To do this within the African Brotherhood of Ingenuity is a tremendous privilege.”

Researchers at the newly founded Electric Mobility Lab in the Department of Industrial Engineering are advancing research into electromobility on the continent. They focus on the region's unique forms of mobility as well as the necessary infrastructure and operational adjustments.

Together, SU and Roam intend to develop and apply research on electric vehicles and the supporting ecosystem, including but not limited to electric motorcycles, electric vehicle powertrains, local manufacturing and digital pilots for electric urban mobility planning.

“This trip demonstrates Kenya’s ability to develop and locally manufacture world-class electric vehicles for African conditions. It is a testament to local innovation that is pioneering sustainable mobility solutions,” commented Masa Kituyi, EM Product Owner at Roam, last week.

Doctoral student and project co-researcher Stephan Lacock and Kituyi ride motorcycles.

“The focus is not on whether such a trip can be carried out, as there have been other similar trips around the world, but rather on demonstrating African ingenuity and collaboration between SU ​​and Roam to make African conditions greener solar energy,” commented Lacock.

Among other things, the SU research team is very interested in seeing the performance of the powertrain and replaceable batteries, as well as the effectiveness of the solar charging solution.

Electromobility laboratory

SU’s Electric Mobility Lab opens October 18 at Asara Wine Estate. A highlight of the event will be the handover of a converted 65-seater bus to Golden Arrow Bus Service. The motorcycle that arrived from Kenya is also officially handed over to the Electric Mobility Lab.

Government officials, donors, industry representatives and researchers are expected to attend the event. Part of the event activities include demonstrations of various electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.