In support of the Rwandan government’s efforts to reduce vehicle emissions, Kigali City continues to promote initiatives that make electric motorcycles and vehicles more accessible and affordable, including providing charging stations.
On Saturday, January 4, 2025, a new electric motorcycle model, Gorilla 2.0, was unveiled in Kigali. According to its manufacturers, it features a battery capable of traveling 90 kilometers before requiring a recharge. The motorcycle uses B3 battery technology for charging and energy storage.
The company behind the launch assured the public that the vehicle is designed to handle any type of road in Rwanda.
Emmanuel Nsengiyumva, a motorcyclist who attended the unveiling, expressed optimism about the new model. He stated, “Our main challenge has been the battery. That was our biggest issue, but now we’ve been told that even the charger problem has been resolved. And we’ve started noticing improvements ourselves.”
Nsengiyumva shared his experience of visiting a new charging station in Nyamata, Bugesera District, highlighting the growing infrastructure for electric motorcycles. He also pointed out a unique feature of the Gorilla 2.0: its battery is integrated into the motorcycle, unlike other electric motorcycles in Rwanda, which require swapping batteries—a process that can be time-consuming.
Once fully charged, the Gorilla 2.0 battery costs Frw 1,680 to recharge, and a motorcyclist can earn between Frw 6,000 and Frw 7,000 from rides before needing another recharge. The income allows motorcyclists to pay off loans and support their families.
Uwera Flora, a female motorcyclist who also uses a Gorilla electric motorcycle, praised the initiative for empowering women by providing them with motorcycles to improve their livelihoods.
Jelly Ndayishimiye, a representative in charge of sales and marketing for the company, explained that Gorilla 2.0 is an improved version of their earlier model, Gorilla 1.0. Feedback from users of the first model highlighted issues such as short battery life and insufficient charging stations.
Ndayishimiye stated, “It’s no secret that the first model, Gorilla 1.0, faced challenges with battery performance. However, we’ve worked tirelessly to address these issues and provide better support to our riders.”
To enhance service delivery, repair centers for the motorcycles have been set up in locations such as Miduha, Nyamirambo (Nyarugenge), Kagugu, and Remera (Gasabo). The company also plans to expand charging infrastructure across Rwanda by collaborating with fuel station operators to install electric vehicle charging units.
EVP, a company specializing in charging technology for electric vehicles, is responsible for setting up the charging stations. Each station can charge up to eight vehicles simultaneously. Existing stations are located in Kigali at Gisimenti, Kacyiru (near King Faisal Hospital), Kinamba, and Kimisagara near Meru. Nine additional stations are under construction and nearing completion.
Currently, there are about 1,000 Gorilla motorcycles in Rwanda, but the company aims to have over 5,000 motorcycles on the road by the end of 2025.
The Rwandan government remains committed to increasing the adoption of electric vehicles as part of its strategy to reduce air pollution and achieve environmental sustainability.
