This expedition highlights the potential for renewable energy-powered mobility to transform lives across Africa.
A solar-powered electric motorcycle designed and manufactured in Africa completed a landmark journey from Kenya to South Africa on Wednesday.
Researchers from Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Engineering collaborated with Nairobi-based technology-driven electric mobility company Rohm to test the company's Rohm Air.
The expedition spanned approximately 6,000km across Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa. On the second and final day, the team reached Stellenbosch, covering 1,000 km in one day.
The journey began on September 17th, with the support team and vehicle-based solar power plant leaving Stellenbosch. Upon arriving in Nairobi on September 27, they collected the electric bike. The team, led by PhD candidate Stephen Laycock, embarked on the journey home on September 29th.
Throughout the trip, the motorcycle's replaceable battery was charged exclusively by solar power, highlighting the feasibility of renewable energy in real-world applications.
“This trip actually made me realize a few things,” said Tinus Booysen, professor of engineering at Stellenbosch University and founder of the Electric Mobility Lab, who joined the team on a week-long expedition in Zambia and Botswana. I got it,” he said. “It’s interesting how doing this has shaped the way we think about this issue.
“As we moved around Africa, it was very clear how urgent the need for mobility was. I don't think I appreciated this enough. Every place we stopped And it was amazing how people would stop and walk up and say, “What is this bike? What does it do? Can I buy one?”
Mobility is a fundamental freedom. “Mobility is very important in making a living. It takes you to services, it takes you to the hospital, it takes you to school. It takes you to running a business. ,” Booysen said.
It was also clear that jobs were desperately needed, especially in countries like Malawi and Zambia.
“What didn't cost me a penny was that work comes with dignity, and I think a large part of what we're fighting for here is for work. Manufacturing creates technical jobs and people can get jobs assembling and maintaining the vehicles. Importing these vehicles from other regions eliminates those jobs. ,” Booysen said.
He said the expedition also highlighted the potential of renewable energy-powered mobility to transform lives across Africa.
You can do business by bicycle. “I can carry people, I can move things around, I can transport things, I can also take them to market. It's really incredible how quickly people caught on to the idea that this bike would give me an opportunity. .
“I was really surprised at how many people were riding around on regular bikes and had up to 70kg worth of charcoal loaded onto the back of their bikes. [bikes]Everything just goes faster and their lives change,” Booysen said.
Completing this journey marks a historic milestone for Rohm Air as the first African-made electric motorcycle to accomplish such a feat, said Masa Kitui, the company's product owner. “This is a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric mobility.”
From the difficult terrain to the warm welcome from the locals, “You could see the spark of excitement in people's eyes when they found out this bike was made in Africa,” Kitui said.
ROHM Air's collaboration with Stellenbosch University “underlines the resilience of both our teams and our technology, ensuring that clean energy powers not only our vehicles but also a brighter, more sustainable future for the African continent.” “We have proven that we can do it,” he added.
Although the journey was completed successfully, the team faced many challenges along the way. Mr Booysen said rainy weather in Malawi made travel difficult and rough roads tested the durability of vehicles. Long stops at border crossings caused delays and damage during precious daylight hours.
“The task was further complicated by some issues with solar connectors that were not made for daily disconnection and reconnection,” he said. “However, the team's resilience and commitment to the mission enabled us to overcome these obstacles, demonstrating our strength in collaborative applied research and the feasibility of solar-powered electric mobility solutions on the continent.”
The technical capabilities of our engineers have come together. “We have a multidisciplinary team of electrical, mechanical, civil and industrial engineers, and it’s amazing to see those skills really help solve all the problems we have to do. It was.”
Electric mobility will not necessarily lead to lower carbon emissions in Africa, as the continent contributes less to global carbon emissions.
“This is about clean cities, clean air, and driving through Zambia it was clear that the pollution is so bad that you can see what you are breathing. Get all these polluting cars off the road. If we remove it, the situation will already be significantly improved,” Booysen said.
He added that the team witnessed Africa at its best. Along the route, they encountered a variety of wildlife including elephants, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, buffalo, lions, sables, baboons, monkeys, and crocodiles.
For Booysen, traveling through the continent's diverse landscapes highlights the importance of preserving these environments for future generations, and how clean energy can play a role in that protection. has been demonstrated.
“If we don't take care of the environment, all of that is at risk. That's another thing we have to focus on when it comes to electric mobility, we have to try to protect the environment. .”
Sibusiso Moyo, vice-chancellor for research, innovation and postgraduate studies at Stellenbosch University, said the expedition was not only “a testament to the sheer determination of the research team” but also a demonstration of African ingenuity. He also said that there is.
“We would like to sincerely thank our research partner Rohm for donating two Rohm electric bikes to the Electric Mobility Lab,” said Moyo.
Booysen added that he was impressed by the leadership shown by the young players on the team. “I was blown away by how motivated they were to do this. We were talking to young people in their 20s and it was great to see the collaboration between Kenya and South Africa.
