Electric and Hydrogen Vehicles—The Future of Mobility in Kenya

⚡️ The Green Shift: Electric and Hydrogen Vehicles—The Future of Sustainable Mobility in Kenya

Kenya is rapidly establishing itself as an African leader in the transition to sustainable transport, a shift that JETOUR and its parent company, Chery Group, are strategically prepared to support. While the immediate focus of JETOUR's Kenya launch is on high-quality, locally assembled SUVs, the long-term vision articulated by Managing Director Farouk Sheikh includes the crucial development of infrastructure and vehicles powered by electric and hydrogen energy. This move aligns perfectly with Kenya’s national goals for industrialization, job creation, and mitigating climate change.

I. The Electric Vehicle (EV) Boom: Riding on Clean Energy

The adoption of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) is already surging in Kenya, particularly in the two- and three-wheeler segments, and the passenger car sector is catching up. JETOUR's planned expansion into this space is timely and potent because of Kenya's unique energy advantage:

• The Green Grid: Kenya draws over 90% of its electricity from renewable sources, predominantly geothermal, hydro, and wind. This means that driving an EV in Kenya is one of the cleanest forms of mobility globally, offering a near-zero-carbon footprint.

• Government Incentives: The government has significantly lowered the financial barrier to entry, offering zero-rated VAT and excise duty exemptions on fully electric vehicles and their components. This drastically reduces the cost of importation and makes locally assembled EVs a truly affordable proposition compared to petrol alternatives.

• Infrastructure Growth: While challenges remain in rural areas, the charging network is expanding rapidly in urban centers like Nairobi and Mombasa, with plans for hundreds of new public charging stations by Kenya Power and private sector partners. Furthermore, special off-peak tariffs are being implemented to make charging economical for consumers.

This environment is perfect for JETOUR to introduce advanced EV technologies, including fully electric versions and highly efficient Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) from the Chery portfolio, allowing consumers to bridge the gap while infrastructure matures.

II. Hydrogen: The Next Frontier for Long-Haul Mobility

Beyond the battery, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs) represent the ultimate horizon for zero-emission long-distance and heavy transport, offering a compelling alternative to large-battery EVs.

• Zero-Emission Quick Refueling: FCVs combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, emitting only water vapour. Their main advantage is the ability to refuel in minutes, similar to conventional cars, and achieve significantly longer ranges.

• Kenya’s Green Hydrogen Potential: FCVs require a robust hydrogen supply chain. Kenya has an abundant potential to produce Green Hydrogen—hydrogen created using its vast renewable electricity reserves. While the current refuelling infrastructure is non-existent, forward-looking strategies like JETOUR's long-term goal help prepare the market and encourage government and private sector investment in this revolutionary fuel.

III. JETOUR's Commitment to Sustainable Growth

JETOUR's vision extends beyond meeting current demand; it's about anticipating the future. By committing to local assembly, the brand is positioning itself to be a local manufacturing hub not only for ICE vehicles but also for the forthcoming generation of electric and hybrid models. This not only creates skilled jobs in green technology but also solidifies Kenya's goal under its National E-Mobility Policy to become a leader in sustainable transport across the African continent.