Minority-Owned EV Startup BasiGo Debuts In Nairobi After $1M Pre-Seed Funding

Electric vehicle startup BasiGo has today announced the launch of its operations in Nairobi, and the buses will come in 25 and 36-seater capacities, with a range of about 250 kilometers.

The startup plans to sell locally assembled electric buses using parts from China’s EV maker BYD Automotive; the company said while announcing it had raised $1 million in pre-seed funding. 

It is also planning to enter other markets within the East Africa region after establishing ground in Kenya.

BasiGo is backed by several investors, including Climate Capital, a Silicon Valley venture capital firm, and Third Derivative, an accelerator focused on climate technology, reported TechCrunch.

“For years, diesel-powered buses have been the only viable solution for bus operators in Kenya. We are excited to provide public transport operators with a new option: state-of-the-art electric buses that are more affordable and reliable, and reduce bus operator exposure to the rising costs of diesel fuel,” said BasiGo CEO and co-founder Jit Bhattacharya.

“The cost of electric bus technology has come down dramatically over the last ten years, to the point where electric buses can offer significant savings compared to fossil-fuel buses.

Our goal is to help bus owners in Kenya realize these savings, and in the process, help Kenya become a global leader in sustainable public transport,” said Bhattacharya.