BasiGo has kicked off local assembly of electric vans in Kenya, a move that marks a key step in the shift toward cleaner transport while building local manufacturing capacity. The company on Thursday confirmed that production of its Ma3e model is now underway in Mombasa, with the first units set to reach customers in the coming weeks amid strong demand.
In a statement, the firm said the development introduces the country’s first locally assembled electric vans, positioning Kenya as an emerging player in electric mobility.
“BasiGo has commenced local assembly of its electric vans in Kenya - the Ma3e model, delivering the country's first locally assembled electric vans,” the company said.
The assembly is being carried out in partnership with Associated Vehicle Assemblers, a Mombasa-based manufacturer, using Complete Knocked Down kits. This approach allows key parts to be brought in and put together locally, helping reduce costs while growing skills and capacity within the country.
“In partnership with Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA), a leading Kenyan contract manufacturer based in Mombasa, the vans are being built from Complete Knocked Down (CKD) kits,” the statement added.
The first batch is already lined up for delivery, with 22 units expected to be handed over to customers between April and May. Demand appears strong, with more than 500 vans already reserved, underlining rising interest in electric transport solutions.
The Ma3e vans are designed for heavy daily use and are aimed at both urban and intercity transport needs. With a driving range of up to 300 kilometres under the New European Driving Cycle, the vehicles are being positioned as a practical replacement for fuel-powered vans.
“Designed for high-utilisation operations, the Ma3e has a range of up to 300 km (NEDC) and supports a broad set of use cases,” BasiGo noted.
The company says the vans can serve multiple roles, including public transport, school transport, staff shuttles, airport transfers and hotel operations, reflecting a plan to spread electric mobility across different sectors.
Before starting local assembly, BasiGo tested the vans on key routes for nearly a year. Two units were deployed on intercity corridors such as Nyahururu-Nyeri-Nakuru and Nairobi-Thika to assess performance and reliability.
“Over the past 10 months, BasiGo has been operating two electric vans on intercity routes, including Nyahururu-Nyeri-Nakuru and Nairobi-Thika,” the company said.
The firm says the results from these trials helped confirm both the vehicle’s capability and the business model, leading to the growing number of customer orders.
“Their strong performance has validated both the product and the operating model, driving a reservation pipeline of over 500 units,” the statement added.
With demand rising, the company views local assembly as a necessary step to scale production and cut reliance on fully imported vehicles.
“Local assembly is now the critical next step to unlock scale of the Ma3e,” the company said.
Looking ahead, BasiGo plans to expand its presence across the country, targeting the rollout of thousands of electric vans in the coming years. The move supports efforts to cut emissions from transport, one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gases in Kenya, while also promoting local industry.