Green on 2 Wheels (Go-2W): translating low-carbon energy into low-cost mobility

Partners: Arc Ride

Country: Kenya

Technology: Leave no one behind technologies and business models

Stage: Early

Stage: Round 10

Kenyan energy regulators implemented an e-mobility tariff to spur uptake in cleaner transportation. The challenge is that there is no tangible way to apply these rates to the costs for riders using cleaner alternatives and battery swapping stations (BSS).

To combat this challenge, Go-2W will test a token-based reward system. With support from Energy Catalyst, it will match BSS for electric two-wheelers with solar and extra renewable electricity. Riders who use green batteries charged via low-carbon sources will receive in-app tokens that can be redeemed for future battery swaps. The tokens’ value is determined by the different costs of peak, off-peak, and solar electricity used to charge the batteries.

With this project, Go-2W plans to install ten solar-powered BSSs in Nairobi, targeting boda-boda riders and female commuters during a four-month trial.