Africa-focused e-mobility provider IZI has announced remarkable milestones in its mission to electrify Rwanda’s public transport sector. In just four months of operation, the company’s initial fleet of five electric buses has achieved significant success, covering over 74,000 electric kilometers and carrying more than 250,000 passengers. This initiative has resulted in a 38% reduction in running costs, equating to savings of $34,000 in diesel expenses alone, while also mitigating over 60 tonnes of CO2 emissions. The impact of these electric buses is tracked in real-time through the IZI Connect platform, offering unprecedented transparency for client fleet operators and investors.
Alex Wilson, CEO of IZI, expressed pride in the results, stating, “These results validate our E-Mobility-as-a-Service model. We’re not just reducing emissions; we’re proving that sustainable public transport is economically viable in Africa.” Building on this success, IZI has secured a grant of RWF 300,000,000 (approximately $222,000) from the Rwanda Green Fund to deploy five additional electric buses in Kigali, enhancing the region’s public transport offerings.
The new electric buses are set to feature advanced technologies, including an independent intelligent driver’s cabin, air suspension balanced driver’s seat, full LCD dashboard, one-step entry, and a flat-floor design, all aimed at improving passenger comfort. The success of IZI’s pilot program has led to strong demand from other Rwandan public bus operators, resulting in contracts with four leading transport companies for the deployment of over 100 buses. Andrew Mugisha, Deputy CEO of Volcano Express, noted, “IZI’s electric buses offer us a path to significantly reduce our operational costs while contributing to a cleaner environment.”
Looking to the future, IZI plans to establish a state-of-the-art battery maintenance and repair facility in Kigali to support the entire EV ecosystem. This facility will position Rwanda as a center of innovation within the electric vehicle industry, ensuring the infrastructure necessary for a successful transition to e-mobility is in place.
In tandem with infrastructure development, IZI is launching comprehensive training programs focused on EV technology and battery diagnostics and repair. These initiatives aim to fill a critical gap in Rwanda’s emerging electric vehicle sector, where there is currently a shortage of technicians with specialized EV knowledge. Wilson highlighted the importance of this training, stating, “As we introduce more EVs to Rwanda’s roads, it’s vital that we simultaneously develop the skills needed to maintain and repair this new technology.”
IZI’s holistic approach to e-mobility—combining vehicle deployment, infrastructure development, and local capacity building—has the potential to transform Rwanda’s transport sector and economy. This strategy aligns perfectly with Rwanda’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 38% by 2030, setting a blueprint for sustainable urban mobility that could inspire similar initiatives across Africa.
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