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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 bec...
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Electric Vehicle vs Petrol: Which Is More Cost-Effective Over Time?

 


Is an EV Truly More Cost-Effective in the Long Run? A Complete Breakdown

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming mainstream, but the big question remains: Are they genuinely cheaper to own over time?
The honest answer: it depends on how you drive, where you live, and how you charge.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

1. Higher Upfront Costs — But Falling Fast

EVs usually cost more than petrol or diesel cars at purchase.
This is mostly due to battery costs and new technology.

However, prices are dropping, and more affordable EVs are entering the market each year.
Depending on your country, you may also benefit from:

  • Tax rebates

  • Import duty reductions

  • Government incentives

  • Lower registration fees

These can significantly narrow the price gap.

2. Fuel Costs: Electricity vs. Petrol

This is where EVs usually shine.

A typical EV consumes 15–20 kWh per 100 km, which means:

  • Home charging = very cheap per km

  • Public DC fast charging = costlier but still competitive

In many regions, EV drivers save 40–70% on fuel compared to petrol/diesel.

Exception:
If you rely heavily on public fast chargers, savings may be much lower.

3. Maintenance: EVs Need Far Less

EVs have fewer moving parts and fewer things that can go wrong.

  • No oil changes

  • No spark plugs

  • No fuel filters

  • Reduced brake wear thanks to regenerative braking

This results in 30–50% lower maintenance costs over the car’s lifetime.

4. Battery Longevity & Replacement Costs

Modern EV batteries are designed to last 8–15 years, and most come with an 8-year warranty.

Battery degradation is slow — around 1–3% per year under normal use.

Do batteries need replacing?

Rarely.
It’s increasingly uncommon for an owner to pay for a full battery replacement.

5. Resale Value: Getting Stronger Every Year

EV resale values are rising because:

  • Battery technology is improving

  • Buyers trust EV longevity more

  • Used EV markets are expanding

That said, resale value still depends on:

  • Brand reputation

  • Battery health

  • Warranty status

6. Your Driving Habits Matter Most

Here’s the biggest factor many people overlook:

EVs save more money long-term if you:

  • Drive 10,000–20,000+ km/year

  • Mostly charge at home

  • Have affordable electricity

  • Keep your vehicle for several years

EVs may NOT be cost-effective if you:

  • Drive under 8,000 km/year

  • Depend on public fast chargers

  • Plan to sell within 2–3 years

The more you drive, the greater the savings.

7. Long-Term Ownership: The EV Advantage

Over 5–10 years, EVs typically deliver:

  • Lower fuel spending

  • Reduced maintenance

  • Higher reliability

  • Fewer mechanical failures

  • Lower environmental impact

Even with higher purchase prices, the total cost of ownership (TCO) often favors EVs.

Final Verdict: Is an EV Truly More Cost-Effective?

Yes — for most drivers who:

  • Cover moderate to high annual mileage

  • Can charge at home

  • Keep their cars for years

No — if you:

  • Rarely drive

  • Only use public fast chargers

  • Swap cars frequently

Ultimately, EVs can save you money, but the savings depend heavily on your lifestyle.

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