ARC motorbike. Photo | courtesy.
Electric mobility firm ARC Ride has secured Sh660 million (US$5 million) in funding from British International Investment (BII) to accelerate the deployment of electric motorcycles and battery-swapping infrastructure across Nairobi and beyond.
The company, which currently operates 170 automated battery swap stations in the capital, aims to roll out 5,000 electric boda bodas as part of its expansion strategy, reducing carbon emissions and cutting operational costs for riders.
“This investment will allow us to reduce the upfront cost of switching to electric motorcycles and eliminate the biggest barrier for riders range anxiety,” said Joseph Hurst-Croft, CEO and co-founder of ARC Ride.
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ARC Ride’s model offers a battery-as-a-service solution, enabling boda boda operators to swap depleted batteries for fully charged ones in under two minutes, rather than waiting hours to recharge.
Transport is responsible for 13 percent of Kenya’s total greenhouse gas emissions, with motorcycles among the largest contributors due to their sheer numbers. Electrifying boda bodas is expected to reduce emissions by up to 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, according to estimates by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry.
British International Investment Managing Director for Africa, Jo Fry, said the investment aligns with Kenya’s climate goals and creation of employment opportunities.
“Our support for ARC Ride demonstrates our commitment to low-carbon infrastructure and inclusive economic growth. Electric mobility has the potential to boost incomes for riders, create green jobs, and support climate resilience,” Fry said.
The funding will also enable ARC Ride to scale its integration with micro-finance and digital platforms to support more riders in acquiring electric vehicles affordably.
