Ampersand, a leading electric vehicle (EV) energy tech company, has opened a new manufacturing facility in Nairobi, significantly expanding its production capacity to meet the growing demand for electric motorcycles across East Africa. The launch marks a major milestone for the company as it continues to scale its operations and support the region’s transition to sustainable transport solutions.

A Major Step in Electric Vehicle Production

The new facility, located in Nairobi, spans 21,000 square meters—more than three times larger than Ampersand’s previous site. This expansion is not only a reflection of Ampersand's rapid growth but also a response to the increasing demand for electric motorcycles in Kenya. The upgraded plant will enable the company to assemble up to 60 electric motorcycles per day, effectively tripling its production capacity.

Josh Whale, CEO of Ampersand, commented on the significance of the new factory: “Our new Nairobi factory is a major step forward in both scale and impact. It reflects our dedication to providing sustainable, affordable EV solutions that directly benefit riders and the environment. With this expanded capacity, we’re in a stronger position to support the electrification of Africa’s commercial motorcycle transport and to scale Ampersand’s proven business model.”

Addressing Regional Demand and Environmental Impact

Ampersand's commitment to sustainability extends beyond production numbers. Each of its electric motorcycles reportedly avoids at least two metric tons of CO2 emissions annually, while also offering significant financial benefits to riders. According to the company, customers using Ampersand’s electric motorcycles have seen an average annual income increase of 45%.

The new Nairobi plant follows a series of successful initiatives for Ampersand in Rwanda, where the company first deployed its electric motorcycles. The combined operations in Kenya and Rwanda have positioned Ampersand as a key player in the East African EV market, with plans to deploy five million electric motorcycles across the continent by 2033.

Ampersand’s commercial motorcycles and battery fleets travel over 4.5 million kilometers per week between Kigali and Nairobi, further underlining the company's impact on both the transportation and environmental landscapes in the region.

Securing Investment for Growth

Ampersand's rapid expansion has been bolstered by significant investments. The company recently announced that it had raised $21.5 million in total equity over the course of the last year, a clear indicator of investor confidence in the region’s appetite for electric mobility solutions. This capital infusion has enabled Ampersand to expand its operations and workforce, with the new Nairobi facility adding 100 new staff members.

In addition to expanding production capacity, the company continues to enhance its battery swap network, a critical element in ensuring the scalability and convenience of electric motorcycles for commercial use. This network allows riders to quickly swap out depleted batteries, ensuring they can remain on the road with minimal downtime.

Ampersand's Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Ampersand is positioning itself for continued growth in Kenya and beyond. The company’s expansion comes at a time when both private and public sectors are increasingly focusing on electric mobility in Africa. The Kenyan government, for example, released a draft of its National E-Mobility Policy earlier this year, aimed at fostering local production and assembly of electric vehicles. This evolving regulatory landscape is expected to further accelerate the adoption of EVs in the region.

Ampersand is not alone in driving the EV revolution in Kenya. Other key players, such as BasiGo, M-KOPA, and Bolt, are also making strides in the electric vehicle space. Earlier this year, BasiGo opened the country’s first electric bus production line, while M-KOPA and Bolt announced plans to deploy over 5,000 new electric motorcycles in Kenya over the next three years.

These developments are part of a larger movement to reduce the transportation sector’s carbon footprint while improving the economic prospects for vehicle operators. With the opening of its new manufacturing plant, Ampersand is well-positioned to lead this charge, bringing sustainable, affordable transportation to more people across East Africa.

Ampersand’s new manufacturing facility in Nairobi is a clear indication of the company’s commitment to scaling its operations and supporting the electrification of commercial motorcycle transport in Africa. By significantly increasing its production capacity and expanding its workforce, the company is set to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles while also reducing carbon emissions and improving economic outcomes for riders. As the electric mobility sector continues to gain momentum, Ampersand is at the forefront of driving sustainable transportation solutions across the continent.