KABISA, a company that sells electric vehicles and related equipment, also provides services for the repair and inspection of electric vehicles. It operates a garage in Gasanze, Gasabo District. The company began its operations in 2022 and officially launched in 2023.
In its second year of operation in Rwanda, KABISA has already sold over 50 electric vehicles (including their chargers) and established more than 23 public charging stations across the country.
Among these are four 'Fast Chargers' located in Rubavu, Musanze, Rugunga, and Nyarutarama. The company's services are divided into three main categories: selling electric vehicles, installing public chargers throughout the country and in private homes, and providing inspection services for electric vehicles through their well-equipped garage.
KABISA currently sells electric vehicles from China's BYD and another Chinese manufacturer, Farizon. The company's third service involves the inspection and maintenance of electric vehicles, using modern equipment to address issues faced by these vehicles.
The program to install additional 'Fast Chargers' has already begun in the districts of Bugesera, Rwamagana, Muhanga, Rusizi, Nyamasheke, Karongi, Nyamagabe, Huye, Burera, Rulindo, and Nyagatare. Some districts will have two chargers installed.
These new 'Fast Chargers' will have the capacity to deliver 240 kilowatts of power, compared to the existing chargers with capacities of 40 and 120 kilowatts. This means the new chargers can fully charge a vehicle in 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the battery level.
In an interview with IGIHE, KABISA's Chief Commercial Officer, Remy Ruberambuga, emphasized that their broader goal is to strengthen their three existing services and expand them to more parts of the country.
He explained, 'Especially for chargers, to alleviate concerns people have about traveling to the provinces and not finding a place to charge their vehicles, we aim to focus on placing these chargers primarily in industrial areas across Rwanda.'
Ruberambuga added, 'We received support from Ireme Invest, and we want to install chargers across the country, ensuring that by the end of the year, there will be more 'Fast Chargers' in many districts of Rwanda.'
Currently, KABISA has one garage dedicated to electric vehicles, but there are plans to expand with additional garages and to launch a training program for vehicle inspection. They are also looking to collaborate with other companies involved with electric vehicles.
Many people often say that owning an electric vehicle is cheaper compared to gasoline-powered cars. Ruberambuga mentioned that someone who used to spend Rwf 300,000 per month on gasoline can spend only about Rwf 20,000 with an electric vehicle.
'Beyond fuel savings, there are other cost savings such as not needing engine oil changes, which is unnecessary for electric vehicles,' he said.
'For example, someone who used to spend Rwf 300,000 per month on a gasoline car [like a RAV4] can spend less than Rwf 20,000 on an electric vehicle, especially with the government's efforts to reduce electricity costs, which means their expenses may not exceed Rwf5,000.'
He noted that for trucks, which typically spend between Rwf 1,200,000 and Rwf 2,000,000 per month on gasoline and oil changes, electric trucks could cost between Rwf 50,000 and Rwf 70,000.
Ruberambuga believes that the market for electric vehicles in Rwanda will grow significantly in the coming years.
'Based on our operations, the inquiries we receive, and the questions people ask, there is a clear demand. People are starting to understand how they can reduce their expenses while also protecting the environment, as these vehicles do not emit harmful gases,' he noted.
He added that there is a need for more extensive awareness campaigns to ensure people have sufficient knowledge about electric vehicles.
Recently, the government decided to extend the tax exemption period for importing electric vehicles and motorcycles, allowing them to continue benefiting from zero import duties.
This decision was made to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and reduce pollution from conventional vehicles. The policy is reviewed annually.
IGIHE
