#24
ARC RIDE
E-mobility, the shift from traditional internal combustion engines to electric vehicles (EVs), offers numerous advantages in combating climate change while driving economic growth. By reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, e-mobility helps mitigate the impacts of climate change. Additionally, the adoption of EVs lowers transportation costs, creates new job opportunities in green technology sectors, and stimulates economic growth through sustainable practices.
Founded in 2019, Arc Ride emerged as a response to the pressing need for sustainable mass transportation solutions in rapidly growing African cities. The company aims to revolutionise urban mobility by providing a scalable model that incorporates a fleet of EVs and the necessary infrastructure for battery charging. Arc Ride is driven by a global interdisciplinary team, committed to designing, building, and expanding the leading battery-as-a-service (BaaS) business across Africa.
Arc Ride’s presence is notable in Kenya, where it boasts the largest battery swap network in the country. This infrastructure ensures seamless battery swaps and maintenance, making the transition to electric two and three-wheelers effortless for riders. The BaaS model sets Arc Ride apart in an African landscape that is increasingly becoming favourable for new e-mobility companies.
Notably, the company assembles its EVs locally and sources various components from regional manufacturers. This approach not only supports local job creation but also strengthens the domestic supply chain, fostering economic growth within the community.
To stay ahead in the competitive market, Arc Ride has ambitious plans to release 3,000 electric bikes, specifically the newly launched Bidii Boda, by the end of the year. Additionally, the company aims to expand its battery swap stations across Nairobi. This expansion underscores Arc Ride’s commitment to providing reliable and convenient e-mobility solutions, ensuring that riders can always access charged batteries without lengthy waiting times.
Arc Ride’s automated battery swap cabinets allow for a seamless swapping experience in under a minute. These cabinets are compact, solar-powered, and can charge multiple batteries simultaneously, ensuring convenience and efficiency. The company’s smart batteries, lightweight and embedded with Internet of Things (IoT) chips, enable easy integration with various EV models, further enhancing the user experience.
The Arc Ride app provides real-time directions to the nearest battery swap stations, payment integration, and advanced data about a rider’s vehicle and battery status. This user-friendly interface ensures that riders are always connected to the revolution of e-mobility, making their rides smoother and more efficient.
Arc Ride’s range of EVs caters to diverse customer needs, with four models of electric two-wheelers available. The Bidii Boda, for instance, features a peak power motor of 5.1 kilowatts (kW), swappable batteries, a top speed of 90 kilometres per hour (km/h), and a range of up to 85 km. This model, designed to suit the trials of Kenyan roads, emphasises Arc Ride’s commitment to local assembly and engineering excellence.
Arc Ride collaborates with major micro-financiers, such as Watu Credit, to enable boda boda riders to embrace electric bikes, reducing operational costs associated with high fuel prices and engine maintenance. These partnerships provide potential customers with flexible financing solutions, making e-bikes more accessible and empowering riders to capitalise on these cost advantages.
Watu Credit has funded 100 clean mobility solutions in Nairobi, with plans to expand to Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru. The company is working with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to enhance education and awareness on road safety for boda boda riders through the Watu Shule driving school. This initiative ensures affordability and comprehensive insurance coverage for riders.
Under the visionary leadership of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joseph Hurst-Croft, Arc Ride is positioned to lead Kenya’s e-mobility sector into a future of sustained growth and technological advancement. Joseph, an experienced environmental and social impact entrepreneur, advocates for increased government incentives to facilitate EV adoption and ensure boda boda riders retain more income. His passion for combating climate change directly influences his transformational leadership at the company, driving Arc Ride’s mission forward.
Arc Ride’s mission is to provide affordable, reliable, and clean e-mobility solutions for rapidly developing African cities. The company’s vision is to be the leading BaaS infrastructure provider for electric two and three-wheel vehicles across Africa. Through innovative solutions and strategic collaborations, Arc Ride is at the forefront of driving sustainable business in the e-mobility sector, ensuring a cleaner, greener future for the continent.
