How to Make Transportation Quieter, Cleaner and Cheaper | Doreen Orishaba | TED

Overview

Doreen Orishaba shares her journey in pioneering electric mobility in Africa, from building the continent's first electric car to scaling electric buses across Kenya and Rwanda. She highlights the challenges, innovations, and transformative potential of clean transportation in addressing climate change and fostering local development.

Notable Quotes

- Africa should contribute to the future of electric mobility and not just be a consumer. – Doreen Orishaba, on Africa's leadership potential in clean transportation.

- One of our electric buses replacing a diesel bus mitigates up to 50 tonnes of CO2 annually — five times more than a Tesla in California. – Doreen Orishaba, on the environmental impact of electric buses in East Africa.

- We don’t have to catch up on the electric vehicle mobility movement. We can actually lead this. – Doreen Orishaba, on Africa's opportunity to shape the future of mobility.

🚗 The Birth of Electric Mobility in Africa

- In 2011, Kiira Motors in Uganda built Africa's first electric car, followed by a plug-in hybrid and a solar electric bus prototype.

- Despite skepticism that electric vehicles were toys for the Western world, the team envisioned Africa as a contributor, not just a consumer, in the global electric mobility movement.

- Public transport, which moves over 60% of urban populations in Africa, became a key focus for scaling electric mobility.

⚡ Overcoming Barriers to Electric Mobility

- Challenges like range anxiety, high upfront costs, and limited charging infrastructure mirror those faced globally since the 1890s.

- BasiGo, led by Orishaba, addresses these issues by:

- Offering a Pay-As-You-Drive lease model to reduce financial barriers for operators.

- Building strategically located charging stations near bus routes, with recharging times of 1.5–2 hours.

- Establishing service centers with trained staff and specialized tools to minimize downtime.

🌍 Local Solutions for Local Needs

- BasiGo designs buses tailored to local conditions, such as high-torque motors for Rwanda's steep hills and regenerative braking for energy efficiency.

- Local assembly of buses in Nairobi reduces costs, builds manufacturing capacity, and creates jobs.

- Real-life route data informs battery and suspension system optimization for durability and efficiency.

🌱 Environmental and Social Impact

- East Africa's electricity, over 90% renewable, amplifies the environmental benefits of electric vehicles.

- Each electric bus mitigates 50 tonnes of CO2 annually, significantly reducing emissions compared to diesel buses.

- The quiet, zero-exhaust buses improve passenger experiences while enabling operators to scale without heavy debt burdens.

🚀 Africa's Leadership in Clean Transportation

- Orishaba emphasizes Africa's unique position to lead the global electric mobility movement, leveraging renewable energy and innovative models.

- Unlike regions reliant on fossil fuels, Africa can bypass traditional pathways and directly adopt sustainable solutions.

- The success of BasiGo demonstrates that zero-carbon transport is viable in Africa without government subsidies, setting a precedent for other sectors.