Uganda Charged By Electric Bus

Uganda recently tested its first electric bus, which is the first of its kind on the African continent.

Though still a concept, Kiira motors, the maker of the bus, is constructing a vehicle plant at the Jinja industrial and business park where the company is expected to produce 5,000 vehicles annually.

The bus, named Kayoola Solar Bus, relies on lithium-ion batteries to power an electric motor that is coupled to a 2-speed pneumatic shift transmission. This technology serves to conserve the environment and public health.

The tell-tale signatures of traditional diesel engine buses – plumes of dark smoke blowing out of the tailpipe and a grumbling engine sound — are replaced by a soft whine as soon as the electric bus accelerates.

Authorities in the capital Kampala could take it up as a means of clean, carbon free transport.