British Investment Backs Kenya’s ARC Ride with $5M to Drive E-Mobility Growth
Kenya’s electric mobility landscape has received a significant boost with a $5 million investment in ARC Ride, a local startup offering battery-as-a-service (BaaS) solutions for electric two-wheelers.
The financing, led by British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution, is set to accelerate the rollout of 5,000 electric motorcycles and expand Africa’s largest automated battery swapping network.
The initiative aims to decarbonize Kenya’s high-emission transport sector, where motorcycles are a major contributor to the country’s 13% share of global greenhouse gas emissions. ARC Ride’s scalable model directly targets the boda boda industry, offering riders an affordable, reliable alternative to petrol-powered bikes.
Since launching in 2019, ARC Ride has built a footprint in East Africa by assembling vehicles locally and sourcing components regionally. The company has deployed 170 battery swap and charging stations in Nairobi, significantly reducing the need for home charging and cutting downtime for riders. This infrastructure is key to lowering the cost of EV ownership and boosting income potential for delivery and taxi riders.
“This strategic partnership with BII marks a major milestone in our expansion plans across Africa,” said ARC Ride CEO Joseph Hurst. “We’re building a future where millions of clean kilometres are driven, putting more money in the pockets of riders and reducing environmental harm.”
The company’s goal is to create a standardised, open battery-swapping system that supports multiple electric vehicle brands, streamlining adoption and reducing market fragmentation.
BII’s investment follows a similar $7.5 million loan to BasiGo in 2023, underscoring continued UK support for clean transport in the region.
“This investment supports Kenya’s climate ambitions and makes Nairobi a healthier, more business-friendly city,” said Daniel Wilcox, Economic Counsellor at the British High Commission. BII’s Seema Dhanani added, “Electrifying Boda Bodas is essential for creating a green and sustainable future.”