Bingo EV Kenya, a new player in the country’s electric vehicle market, is set to launch the Bingo E2, a compact four-seater electric car priced at Sh1.8 million. The vehicle targets Kenya’s growing ride-hailing and taxi driver community, with the first 20 units arriving from China this September.

The company, owned by US-based Bingo Technologies, plans to begin local assembly at the Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA) plant in Mombasa starting January next year to benefit from tax incentives and reduce costs. The goal is to sell at least 100 units by the end of the year.

Competitive Electric Vehicle Offering

The Bingo E2 will compete with established models such as Beijing Henrey’s Xiaohu hatchback, priced between Sh2.5 million and Sh2.8 million, and Dongfeng’s ePureCitie, which costs between Sh4 million and Sh4.5 million. The Bingo E2 offers a driving range of 440 kilometres, combining a built-in 31kWh battery with four removable battery modules, making it the world’s first electric car with a dual-battery system.

Innovative Battery-Swapping Model

The removable battery packs remain under Bingo’s ownership, which helps lower the upfront cost of the vehicle. Drivers can swap depleted batteries at planned stations located in supermarket parking lots such as Naivas and Quickmart. This system aims to reduce downtime for drivers and provide additional income opportunities through grocery delivery services.

Flexible Financing and Charging Options

  • Bingo EV Kenya has partnered with NCBA Bank and is negotiating with Watu Credit, M-Kopa, and SBM Bank Kenya to offer diverse financing options.
  • Drivers can buy the vehicle outright, lease-to-own, or rent short-term.
  • Under lease terms, a deposit of up to Sh125,000 and daily fees of about Sh1,800 cover maintenance and insurance.
  • The vehicle supports DC fast charging, reaching 80% battery in under an hour, AC home charging in about six hours, and vehicle-to-vehicle charging.

Christian Scheder-Bieschin, Bingo Technologies’ COO, highlighted that the company’s approach aims to make electric vehicles more accessible and practical for Kenyan ride-hailing drivers, fostering a more sustainable urban transport ecosystem.