Since launching incentives for EV use in 2020, the country has seen steady growth in their numbers, with more than 7,000 electric and hybrid vehicles now registered on its roads.
Auto24, a prominent car dealership in Rwanda, plays a key role in this transition by importing and supplying electric vehicles, helping to reduce air pollution and support sustainable mobility.
On December 20, 2025, Auto24 handed over eight brand-new BYD Yuan Up electric SUVs to Kimu Transport, a local passenger transport company.
The BYD Yuan Up, launched in 2025, is a compact crossover SUV designed for urban and everyday driving. It offers an impressive range of up to 403 kilometers on a single charge.
Charging times vary by charger type, with fast charging capable of replenishing the battery in as little as 30 minutes, or a full charge taking up to six hours with standard equipment.
Inside, the vehicle features modern technology, including a spacious and stylish cabin, a 12-inch (30.48 cm) touchscreen infotainment system, and intuitive controls accessible directly from the steering wheel.
It also includes a 360-degree camera system for enhanced visibility around the vehicle, along with other advanced safety and convenience features.
AUTO24 Rwanda Country Manager Ivan Ruzibiza noted that the company had previously supplied hybrid vehicles to Kimu Transport two months earlier. This latest delivery marks a shift to fully electric models in support of global efforts to combat climate change.
"We are fulfilling our commitment to Kimu Transport by delivering these cutting-edge 2025 electric vehicles," Ruzibiza said.
He emphasized that the Yuan Up not only helps protect the environment but also offers significant savings for operators, thanks to its 403-kilometer range.
Jean Pierre Nkunziryayo, CEO of Kimu Transport, explained that the purchase aligns with the company's pledge to support the government's program to retire older, high-emission vehicles.
"Our strong partnership with the government has evolved positively. In the past, we faced criticism for operating aging, polluting buses. Now, with these modern electric vehicles, we are actively contributing to environmental protection," he said.
He highlighted the operational benefits, adding that the vehicles deliver both environmental and financial advantages.
"A full charge, costing just Rwf 26,000, provides a 403-kilometer rangeâ€"far more economical than the Rwf 165,000 we previously spent on fuel for gasoline vehicles."
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/byd-yuan-up-electric-suvs-power-kimu-transport-s-green-transition
