Autopax and SAIC GM WULING AUTOMOBILE COMPANY LIMITED (SGMW) Partner to Introduce Affordable Electric Vehicles to the Kenyan and African Market
Groundbreaking Partnership for Production of Affordable and Reliable Electric Vehicles
Tuesday 27th June, 2023 - Autopax, Kenya’s pioneering Electric Vehicle (EV) company, is delighted to announce a groundbreaking partnership with SGMW, a leading global automotive manufacturer. Together, we will introduce a range of Electric Vehicles tailored to meet the unique needs of the Kenyan market. This collaboration marks a significant step towards promoting sustainable transportation and fostering a greener future for Kenya. This is in line with Autopax’s tagline – Mobility for Life.
On Wednesday 21st June, 2023, Autopax and global leader in production of Electric Vehicles SGMW signed an Engineering Services and Partnership Agreement at their offices in Liuzhou, Guangxi, P.R. China.
During the historical signing ceremony Autopax was represented by its founder Dr. Isaac Kalua Green while SGMW was represented by directors and the team leader of Overseas Business and Engineering Center Madam Lisa Li.
The CEO of Autopax Ms Joy Kalua confirmed that the company has already received the first batch of Autopax AirEv YETU vehicles here in Kenya for pre-launch trials ahead of the official launch. They come in two models:
1. Autopax AirEv YETU which covers 200 kilometers on full charge.
2. Autopax AirEv YETU Pro which covers 300 kilometers on full charge.
The Autopax CEO Joy Kalua says that the AirEv YETU Electric Vehicles are a result of well thought out world class process and have been tested for the convenience of all local users. The global modern and beautiful looking machines have been designed to meet the mobility needs and deliver affordability, reliability, and sustainability in support of the life aspirations of each individual owner.
About Autopax
Autopax Limited a subsidiary of Green Africa Group is Kenya’s first locally owned company to partner with global automotive leaders to conceptualize and produce an affordable, durable electric car for the African market. This breakthrough follows a seven-year period of relentless team effort by Engineers from Kenya, Germany, Italy, and China.
Known as Autopax AirEv YETU, this electric car will be manufactured in partnership with global leader SGMW in China and will soon be assembled in Kenya. Subsequently AirEv YETU will be mass-produced locally using local components, thus supporting local manufacturing, and creating thousands of local decent jobs.
Autopax Limited has three Divisions namely Certified Preowned Vehicles Division; Electric Vehicles Division; Service and Parts Division. Autopax currently partners with CFAO Group, Cooperative Bank of Kenya and various charging infrastructure companies in Kenya to offer the most affordable, reliable and sustainable products to Kenyan customers. In addition to the Autopax AirEv YETU, Autopax engineers are in the process of creating additional and most reliable electric mobility solutions to meet mobility requirements for African customers.
About SGMW
SAIC GM WULING AUTOMOBILE COMPANYLIMITED (SGMW) is a sino-foreign joint venture automobile company jointly established by SAIC Motor Corporation, General Motors Corporation and Guangxi Automobile Group Co., LTD. (formerly Liuzhou Wuling Automobile Co., LTD.), which is engaging in research, development and production of automobiles.
SGMW has five production bases in Liuzhou, Qingdao, Chongqing and Indonesia. The total sales of SGMW have exceeded 25 million units, with GSEV (global small Electric Vehicle) sales exceeding 1.34 million units, making SGMW the global leader in small Electric Vehicles. Currently, SGMW’s overseas markets have covered more than 40countries and regions including Central and South America, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, etc.
Autopax being represented by its founder Dr. Isaac Kalua Green and Madam Lisa Li of SGMW during the historical signing ceremony between the two parties.
About Electric Vehicles
Electric Vehicles are revolutionizing the automotive industry, and their adoption brings numerous advantages that are set to benefit both individuals and the environment. Here are five key advantages of Electric Vehicles:
- 1. Lower Operating Costs: EVs have significantly lower operating costs compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. Electric motors have fewer moving parts, reducing the need for maintenance and servicing. Additionally, charging an Electric Vehicle costs considerably less than refueling with petrol or diesel, leading to substantial long-term savings. As such, if you drive an Autopax Electric Vehicle, you will spend 40 percent of what you would have spent on petrol. In other words, if you would have spent Sh100 on fuel, you will now spend a maximum of Sh40.
- 2. Environmental Friendliness: Electric Vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing harmful air pollutants that contribute to climate change and air pollution. By choosing an Electric Vehicle, Kenyan consumers can actively contribute to improving air quality and mitigating climate change.
- 3. Energy Efficiency: Electric Vehicles are highly energy-efficient as they convert a higher percentage of stored energy into powering the wheels. This efficiency translates to longer driving ranges, allowing Kenyan consumers to travel greater distances on a single charge and reducing their dependence on fossil fuels.
- 4. Quieter and Smoother Ride: Electric Vehicles operate silently and provide a smoother ride due to the absence of an internal combustion engine. This feature enhances the driving experience and reduces noise pollution, contributing to a more peaceful and enjoyable environment for passengers and pedestrians alike.
- 5. Renewable Energy Integration: EVs can be charged using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power, providing an opportunity for Kenya to leverage its vast renewable energy potential. By transitioning to Electric Vehicles, Kenyan consumers can align their transportation choices with the country’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development.
Cost-Effectiveness
The cost-effectiveness of Electric Vehicles makes them an appealing option for Kenyan consumers from the very beginning. Here’s how they can save money:
- 1. Reduced Fuel Costs: Electric Vehicles eliminate the need for expensive petrol or diesel fuel, replacing it with electricity that can be charged at a fraction of the cost. With Kenya’s abundant renewable energy resources, the cost of electricity for charging EVs can be even more competitive, resulting in significant savings for consumers.
- 2. Lower Maintenance Costs: Electric Vehicles have fewer moving parts compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles, reducing the frequency and cost of maintenance and repairs. EV owners can save on expenses such as oil changes, spark plug replacements, and transmission repairs, leading to long-term cost savings.
- 3. Government Incentives: The Kenyan government has shown a commitment to promoting Electric Vehicles through various incentives. These include tax breaks, subsidies, and preferential policies that make EV ownership more affordable. Kenyan consumers can take advantage of these incentives, further reducing the initial purchase cost of Electric Vehicles.
- 4. Resale Value: Electric Vehicles tend to retain their value well, thanks to the growing demand for sustainable transportation options. Kenyan consumers can benefit from this trend by potentially receiving higher resale values for their Electric Vehicles in the future, further reducing the overall cost of ownership. Particularly, AirEv YETU has a battery pay back plan where customers have high value attached to their already used battery life.