In a remarkable demonstration of African ingenuity, an electric motorcycle designed and built in Africa has successfully completed a groundbreaking journey from Nairobi, Kenya, to Stellenbosch powered solely by solar energy.
This ambitious expedition showcases the potential of sustainable electric mobility across sub-Saharan Africa and highlights the innovative spirit of the continent.
Researchers from the Faculty of Engineering at Stellenbosch University (SU) collaborated with Roam, a technology-driven electric mobility company based in Nairobi, to test the Roam Air, a tailored electric motorcycle developed specifically for African conditions.
The motorcycle team arrived in Stellenbosch on the morning of 16 October, having traversed approximately 6,000 kilometres through Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa. Notably, on the second-to-last day of their journey, the team covered an impressive 1,000 kilometres in just one day, reaching the southern tip of Africa.
The Roam Air was donated to Stellenbosch University for research and testing purposes and was powered exclusively by solar energy throughout the journey.
“This ambitious expedition marked a major step forward in showcasing the potential of sustainable electric mobility across sub-Saharan Africa,” said Thinus Booysen, Professor of Engineering and founder of the Electric Mobility Lab at Stellenbosch University.
The journey commenced on 17 September 2024, when the support team and a vehicle-based solar power station departed from Stellenbosch. Upon reaching Nairobi on 27 September, they collected the electric motorcycle developed by Roam.
The team, led by PhD candidate Stephan Lacock, embarked on their return leg on 29 September, travelling back through a diverse range of African landscapes, and finally arriving in Stellenbosch on 16 October.
Throughout the trip, the motorcycle’s swappable batteries were charged exclusively through solar power, demonstrating the viability of renewable energy in real-world applications.
“Completing this 6,000-kilometre journey marks a historic milestone for Roam Air as the first African-made electric motorcycle to achieve such a feat. It’s a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric mobility.
“From the challenging terrains to the warm welcomes from local communities, we saw the spark of excitement in people’s eyes when they realised this motorcycle was built in Africa. Our collaboration with Stellenbosch University highlighted the resilience of both our teams and technology, proving that clean energy can power not just vehicles, but a brighter, more sustainable future for the continent,” said Masa Kituyi, Roam Air Product Owner.
Despite the successful completion of the journey, the team faced numerous challenges along the way. Rainy weather in Malawi created difficult travel conditions, while poor roads tested the vehicle's durability. Lengthy stops at border crossings added costly delays during precious daylight hours.
“Some issues with solar connectors that were not designed for daily disconnecting and reconnecting further complicated the journey. However, the team’s resilience and commitment to their mission allowed them to overcome these obstacles, showcasing the strength in collaborative applied research and the viability of solar-powered electric mobility solutions on the continent,” Booysen commented.
Along the route, the team experienced the breathtaking natural beauty of Africa, encountering a variety of wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, buffalo, lions, sables, baboons, monkeys, and crocodiles.
“The journey through Africa’s diverse landscapes reinforced the importance of preserving these environments for future generations and demonstrated how clean energy can play a role in their protection,” he added.
According to Booysen, the expedition highlighted the vast potential that electric mobility powered by renewable energy has to transform livelihoods across Africa.
“Clean energy solutions not only contribute to environmental sustainability but can also provide significant economic and social benefits. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering transportation costs, solar-powered electric mobility has the potential to enhance the quality of life in rural and urban communities alike,” he said.
This historic journey serves as a powerful testament to the feasibility and promise of clean, renewable energy in the transportation sector and beyond.
The Electric Mobility Lab at Stellenbosch University, made possible by the Western Cape Government, will be officially opened on 18 October at the Asara Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, coinciding with Transport Month in South Africa.
The event will feature the handover of a retrofitted 65-seater bus to the Golden Arrow Bus Service, along with the official handover of the motorcycle to the Electric Mobility Lab.
Weekend Argus