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IZI Secures $222,000 Funding to Expand Fleet in Rwanda

October 22, 2024

Rwandan Africa-focused e-mobility provider, IZI secures $222,000 funding to expand fleet in Rwanda. They received an RWF 300 million (approximately $222,000) grant from the Rwanda Green Fund to deploy five more electric buses in Kigali.

According to the e-mobility provider, these vehicles will be among Rwanda’s most advanced public transportation options, with an independent driver’s cabin, air suspension seat, LCD dashboard, one-step entry, and a flat-floor design for increased passenger comfort.

The company also plans to set up a battery maintenance and repair facility in Kigali to support Rwanda’s EV ecosystem and strengthen the country’s role in the EV industry.

In addition to infrastructure development, IZI is introducing a training programme focused on EV technology, battery diagnostics, and repair to address skill gaps in Rwanda’s growing electric vehicle sector.

Alex Wilson, CEO of IZI, stated that a shortage of technicians with specialized EV knowledge could stymie the industry’s growth.

The training will develop a skilled workforce to support Rwanda’s growing EV sector, focusing on high-voltage systems, battery management, and advanced diagnostics—skills that are fundamentally different from those required for traditional combustion engine vehicles.

In April 2024, IZI launched in Rwanda by delivering five electric buses in partnership with Kigali Bus Services, aiming to provide affordable electrification of transport in Africa’s growing cities.

Achievement within four months

IZI reported that its initial fleet of five electric buses has achieved notable success in four months, covering over 74,000 electric kilometres, carrying over 250,000 passengers, reducing operating costs by 38%, and mitigating over 60 tonnes of CO2 emissions. This data is monitored in near real-time through the IZI Connect platform.

Thus, demand from other Rwandan public bus operators has surged, leading to contracts with four transport companies deploying over 100 additional buses, marking a significant expansion of operations.

Since its inception in Rwanda, IZI has made efforts to expand. In June 2024, it announced a partnership with the Rwanda Green Fund to advance sustainable transport in Kigali. This coincided with delivering an additional 5 electric buses to the city, which improved the public transport system and reduced carbon emissions.

In the same month, the company also announced the launch of IZI Fast Charge, describing it as Rwanda’s first electric vehicle super-fast charging station at Century Park in Nyarutarama.

Moreover, to accelerate the transition to electric cars and motorcycles and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Rwandan government renewed a zero-rated import duty on electric and hybrid vehicles, extending the tax exemption until the end of the new fiscal year 2024/25.

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