BasiGo
Overview
BasiGo is an innovative electric vehicle company based in Nairobi, Kenya, that aims to transform public transportation in Africa by offering electric buses as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional diesel-powered buses. Established in 2021 by Jit Bhattacharya and Jonathan Green, BasiGo utilizes a cost-effective Pay-As-You-Drive leasing model that mitigates the high upfront expense of electric vehicles for public transport operators. The company aims to popularize electric public transport and currently operates and assembles electric buses domestically with the support of numerous investment ventures.
Recent Developments
Over the last two years, BasiGo has made significant strides in the electric vehicle market, establishing itself as a leader in the sector within East Africa.
- October 2024: BasiGo raised $42 million in funding, backed by Africa50, Novastar Ventures, and others, reinforcing its plan to deliver 1,000 electric buses in East Africa within the next three years. The funds are allocated towards scaling manufacturing capacity and expanding its Pay-As-You-Drive offering (sources: TechInAfrica, TechCabal).
- May 2024: The company received $3 million in investment from the CFAO Group to enhance its manufacturing and delivery capabilities in Kenya and Rwanda. This injection focuses on expanding its electric bus production capabilities (source: BusinessDailyAfrica).
- January 2024: BasiGo expanded its operations to Rwanda with six pilot electric buses operational in Kigali, expecting over 300 reservations for further deployments (source: TechMoran).
- February 2024: Appointed Moses Nderitu as Managing Director, Kenya, emphasizing the company’s commitment to strengthen local leadership in expanding electric mobility across the region (source: CIO Africa).
- Ongoing Innovations: BasiGo’s Pay-As-You-Drive model continues to reduce costs of electric vehicles compared to diesel, driving broader adoption among public transport providers (source: TechCrunch).
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2021 |
| Headquarters | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Founders | Jit Bhattacharya, Jonathan Green |
| Revenue | Information not publicly available |
| Profits | Information not publicly available |
| Key Investors | Africa50, CFAO Group, Novastar Ventures, U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC), British International Investment (BII), Moxxie Ventures |
| Industry | Electric Mobility, Automotive |
| Number of Employees | Approximately 70 |
Early History
BasiGo launched operations in Kenya following the vision of Jit Bhattacharya and Jonathan Green to provide an environmentally sustainable solution to the region's transportation needs. Initially leveraging tech from global electric vehicle leader BYD, BasiGo introduced electric buses to Nairobi’s bustling transit system. The public launch in 2021 with a $1 million pre-seed fund allowed the firm to operate on a locally innovative lease model that enabled operators to transition feasibly from fossil-fuel vehicles to electric buses, significantly reducing emissions and endorsing the mission of clean mobility in Kenya.
Company Profile and Achievements
BasiGo’s business model relies on making electric public transport affordable and sustainable. It achieves this by splitting high upfront costs into manageable subscriptions for operators, using the Pay-As-You-Drive model.
- Innovative Financing: This model separates the bus purchase from the battery lease, allowing operators to manage expenses comfortably, contributing to rapid adoption among transport operators in Nairobi and beyond.
- Significant Market Footprint: Since its founding, BasiGo has deployed 19 electric buses and amassed orders to supply hundreds more across East Africa, with ambitions to dominate 27% of Kenya’s new bus market by deploying 1,000 buses by 2025 (source: Kenyan Foreign Policy).
- Partnerships and Collaborations: They have partnered with global entities, including CFAO Group and others, for investment and technology transfer, enhancing their local manufacturing and assembly capabilities.
- Sustainability and Impact: BasiGo continues to leverage Kenya's renewable energy advantages—90% of its electricity comes from renewable sources—to offer cleaner, cost-effective public transit solutions. The switch to electric transport significantly reduces emissions and aligns with global climate goals.
Current Operations and Market Position
BasiGo is currently leading the charge in e-mobility in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on rapid deployment of electric buses and expanding its market presence across key cities in East Africa.
- Operations: The company is enhancing its manufacturing capacity and network, focusing on boosting the assembly line setup and increasing fleet numbers in Kenya and Rwanda.
- Market Position: Having secured substantial funding and technological partnerships, BasiGo is well-positioned to scale operations and respond to local demand for sustainable public transit solutions.
- Strategic Growth: Future plans include expanding the Pay-As-You-Drive model to additional vehicle types and markets, positioning BasiGo as a prominent figure in Africa’s electric vehicle landscape.
BasiGo CEO
Jit Bhattacharya not only heads BasiGo as its CEO but is also a co-founder alongside Jonathan Green. With comprehensive experience in electric vehicle technology and renewable energy finance, Bhattacharya has been pivotal in promoting electric public transport initiatives in Kenya and beyond, exemplifying visionary leadership that aligns with transformative climate solutions.
BasiGo Charging Station
BasiGo has developed a robust electric bus charging network designed to complement the urban transit systems of Nairobi and Kigali. These strategically placed charging depots are integral to the company's Pay-As-You-Drive model, ensuring that operators can recharge their buses efficiently overnight at key locations, thereby supporting sustainable and uninterrupted service.
Conclusion
BasiGo’s innovative approach towards electric mobility exemplifies its role as a catalyst for change in Africa’s public transit sector. By addressing the challenges of high upfront costs through its innovative financing model and capitalizing on the region’s renewable energy resources, BasiGo not only promotes sustainable transport solutions but also aligns with larger environmental goals to reduce urban emissions. As BasiGo expands its reach beyond Kenyan borders, it holds significant potential to influence the region’s transit landscape, achieve substantial emissions reductions and set a precedent for future green transportation initiatives.