Ampersand plans to buy 40,000 high-tech batteries from BYD by the end of 2026. These batteries will be used in Ampersand’s electric motorcycles. BYD’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells have a long lifespan, an excellent safety record and tend to be affordable, making them ideal for mass-market electrification.
Through this partnership, Ampersand will be able to rapidly scale its electric fleet and its charging infrastructure, which is already the largest in Rwanda and Kenya. This will allow Ampersand to meet the increasing demand for commercial motorcycles across Africa.
Josh Whale, CEO of Ampersand, said, “This partnership marks a major milestone for Ampersand as we continue to lead the charge in providing sustainable, cost effective, mass-market EV solutions.
“BYD’s world-leading battery cells and manufacturing scale, combined with Ampersand’s deep customer insight and technical product knowledge will help fast track the electrification of Africa’s commercial motorcycles.
“Switching the millions of taxi and delivery two-wheelers to EV energy tech represents one of the world’s best value-for-money decarbonisation opportunities. At the same time, this transformation will save millions of hardworking motorcycle riders six hundred dollars each a year, driving clean economic prosperity.”]
Sihai Zhang, BYD Company, said: “Ampersand’s electric motorbike technology and charging network, along with its excellent customer understanding, make the company stand out to BYD as the clear pioneer in the electrification of Africa’s transport system.
“Electrifying the intensively used commercial motorcycles found across Africa is a logical first step to decarbonising a very large potential market of motorcycles across the Global South.”