Kiira Motors reveals expanded product portfolio

June 9, 2024 in Business, Companies, Infrastructure, Transport, Travel & Tourism by Editor

Uganda’s automotive industry pathfinder Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) – has expanded its product offering to the African market, with a new range of buses addressing market segments from 20 -120 passengers.

The 2024 line-up of electric buses was revealed June 6, as the company transferred a batch of eight, 8-metre-long Kayoola electric buses from temporary manufacturing facilities at Nakasongola-based Luwero Industries, to its delivery centre at the Kiira Motors Vehicle Plant, whose construction is nearing completion in Jinja. The milestone takes to 15, the number of electric buses produced in Uganda.

The automaker did not reveal the identities of the customers but previous deliveries that include a number of conventional powered Euro-4 diesel coaches have gone to a number of corporate and government buyers.

With a range of 200 kilometres on a single charge and a payload of 56 passengers, the 2024 8-Meter Kayoola EVS is designed for the urban commuter market.

According to a catalogue seen by 256BN, the new line comprises models ranging from the 18-meter Kayoola EVS with a capacity of 120 passengers; the 12-meter EVS with capacity of 90 passengers; 10-meter EVS with capacity of 70 passengers, 8-meter EVS with capacity of 56 passengers; and 6-meter with capacity of 20 passengers.

The buses feature infotainment systems, CCTV cameras, e-ticketing and cashless payment systems, USB charging and Wi-Fi. They also have access ramps for people with impaired mobility such as the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Prof. Sandy Stevens Tickodri-Togboa, Kiira Motors’ Executive Chairman, said, besides signaling Uganda readiness to deliver electric mass transit solutions for the African market the buses also represent an environmentally sustainable means of mass transit.

“Uganda’s push towards becoming a net source of e-Mobility Solutions in Africa is steadily getting closer and we are proud to be contributing to this agenda,” Tikodri said adding:

“With the knowledge that Kampala’s air is nine times more polluted than the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s recommended limit, more Ugandan public and private sector players need to embrace environmentally sustainable means of mass transit for the good of the environment with solutions that offer quality and value for money like the Kiira Motors portfolio of products.”

KMC is now working establish a network of its fast-charging infrastructure to cater to its customers and other Ugandans who have embraced the electric vehicle transition.

“We are in the process of onboarding several partners with whom we shall work to ensure that a robust charging network is established across the country in line with the National e-Mobility Strategy for a seamless electric vehicle ownership experience,” said Eng. Ian John Kavuma, Kiira Motors’ Quality Inspection and Testing Manage.

Kiira Motors offers fast-chargers ranging between 60kW and 360kW. The company is building vehicle manufacturing facilities in Jinja, with a design capacity of 5000 units a year.