Ampersand’s Open Network Sparks Fierce EV Competition in Africa

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Ampersand Energy, a leading electric mobility firm based in Rwanda and Kenya, has opened its advanced battery swap network to global electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, aiming to accelerate the widespread adoption of electric motorcycles in Africa’s thriving commercial transport sector.

Tech Cabal reports that since introducing its first electric motorcycle in 2019, Ampersand has designed and assembled bikes using components from diverse suppliers, integrating them with its own high-performance batteries, swap stations, and interconnected software. This fully integrated approach has ensured superior reliability in a sector often plagued by battery failures, short vehicle lifespans, and frequent downtime, compared with competing EV startups.

CEO Josh Whale explained that the decision to open the network stems from strong market demand and insights gained from six years of real-world operations. He emphasised that this move effectively separates the company’s most lucrative segment, the battery and energy infrastructure, from hardware production.

“We’ve received numerous enquiries from motorcycle manufacturers eager to build high-quality bikes compatible with Ampersand’s network,” Whale noted. “Riders are also demanding more options while relying on our proven infrastructure for uninterrupted service. We’ve built a world-class energy system that any partner meeting our rigorous standards can access.”

This strategic pivot is reshaping Africa’s EV ecosystem. Rather than competing solely on vehicle hardware, Ampersand is focusing on a shared, dependable battery swap infrastructure to propel mass electrification. In commercial motorcycle markets, where maximum uptime, low costs, and robustness directly impact riders’ earnings, this open network promises faster growth and reliable energy access for emerging EV players.

Wylex Mobility, a prominent Asian EV manufacturer, has become the inaugural partner in this open ecosystem. Through the collaboration, Ampersand supplies batteries and swap station access, while Wylex provides the motorcycle chassis, marking its debut in East Africa. Ampersand’s Nairobi factory will assemble the bikes locally, and established asset-finance networks will handle the distribution.

“We excel most in the energy domain—our batteries, stations, and software,” Whale added. “Riders want greater variety in vehicles but insist on our network’s unmatched reliability.”

Wylex CEO Eileen Huang highlighted the synergy: “With decades of engineering expertise, we produce durable, long-lasting vehicles. Ampersand’s rider-centric approach and robust swap network make them the perfect collaborator for our East African launch.”

The partnership introduces direct competition: Ampersand’s flagship Alpha model will now rival Wylex bikes on the same infrastructure. Whale views this as a positive development.

“Competition is beneficial,” he said. “Riders gain from Wylex’s advanced manufacturing, competitive pricing, and rider-preferred features like flat seats popular in Kenya.”

By opening its network, Ampersand is signalling a fundamental shift, betting that Africa’s EV success hinges on superior energy infrastructure rather than proprietary hardware.

The company’s vision extends further. Whale aims to deploy 50–60 strategically placed swap stations in major cities like Nairobi and Kigali, each capable of supporting thousands of riders and enabling 100,000–150,000 motorcycles per city.

Africa’s commercial motorcycle sector is immense, with Sub-Saharan Africa home to around 27 million motorcycles. Kenya alone operates over 2 million petrol-powered bikes, primarily for commercial use. In 2024, the country registered 68,804 new motorcycles, including 4,862 electrics—capturing a 7.1% market share for e-bikes.

Ampersand currently facilitates over 20,000 daily swaps in Kenya and Rwanda. Each swap costs riders approximately $2 for about 80 km of range, slashing fuel expenses by 35%. “Riders often exceed $1,000 annually on petrol,” Whale explained. “Switching to EVs dramatically reduces that, boosting their net income.”

Ultimately, Whale believes Ampersand’s model will catalyse the next wave of electric mobility growth: “The more quality choices riders have, the quicker the market expands. Every additional bike on our network strengthens the ecosystem for everyone.”

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Nigeria is experiencing a rapid surge in electric motorcycle adoption, driven primarily by the 2023 removal of fuel subsidies, which caused petrol prices to triple and made traditional “okada” (motorcycle taxis) prohibitively expensive for riders. 

With over 15 million motorcycles on Nigerian roads, mostly used for commercial transport, the shift to electrics offers significant cost savings, with operating expenses often 50% lower than petrol bikes. Key players like Spiro (which launched in 2024 and now operates thousands of bikes with battery-swapping stations), MAX, REVOO (backed by Transsion), AaraGO, and others are deploying fleets, supported by local assembly and financing models. 

Battery swapping is gaining traction to address charging infrastructure gaps and unreliable grid power, with companies like Spiro, MAX, and Swap Station Mobility building networks, including solar-powered stations. Government incentives, tax breaks, and partnerships (e.g., Ogun State’s EV zones) are accelerating growth, positioning Nigeria as one of Africa’s largest and fastest-evolving e-motorcycle markets, potentially reaching a majority of electric two-wheelers by 2040.

Electric motorcycles, especially those using battery-swapping models like Ampersand’s, could positively transform tourism in Africa and Nigeria by promoting sustainable, eco-friendly transport options.

In tourist-heavy areas, electric bikes offer quieter, emission-free rides for short excursions, safaris, urban tours, or airport transfers, enhancing visitor experiences while reducing noise and air pollution in sensitive natural or heritage sites. In Nigeria, where okada are ubiquitous for last-mile connectivity, electrified fleets could appeal to eco-conscious tourists, aligning with global trends toward green travel. 

Across Africa (e.g., in Kenya, Rwanda, or South Africa), similar adoption has boosted rentals for tourists seeking affordable, low-impact mobility. This could attract more international visitors prioritising sustainability, support “green tourism” certifications, and improve air quality in popular destinations, ultimately boosting sector revenue and positioning countries like Nigeria as forward-thinking ecotourism hubs.

Dive deeper into Africa’s booming electric mobility revolution—explore more stories on sustainable transport and EV innovations on our site today!

FAQs

1. What is Ampersand’s battery swap network?  

Ampersand’s network consists of stations where riders quickly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones, enabling minimal downtime, and costs around $2 for 80 km of range—far cheaper than petrol.

2. Why is Ampersand opening its network to other manufacturers?

Ampersand is aiming to accelerate mass adoption by leveraging its strengths in energy infrastructure, which will enable a broader range of bike options and ensure reliable power, a move driven by demand from both manufacturers and riders.

3. Who is the first partner in Ampersand’s open network?  

Wylex Mobility, an Asian EV maker, will supply motorcycle hardware while using Ampersand’s batteries and swaps, with assembly in Nairobi for East African markets.

4. How does this impact Africa’s commercial motorcycle market?

It promotes competition in hardware, reduces costs (up to 35% fuel savings), improves uptime and reliability, and could support millions of riders in a sector with 27 million bikes across Sub-Saharan Africa.

5. What are Ampersand’s plans for expansion? 

Build 50–60 swap stations per major city, like Nairobi and Kigali, supporting up to 150,000 motorcycles each, while viewing other EV firms as potential collaborators in a growing market.