Consumer View: Bike riders swap fuel queues for solar-powered batteries

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Battery swapping stations are emerging as a key solution for urban electric mobility, offering riders speed and convenience. Roam, an electric mobility company in Kenya, is tapping into this market with power partly from the sun through what it calls “Roam Hubs”. By leveraging solar power, it tackles both rider frustrations and reduces significant operational costs.

• Renewables Rising visited a battery swapping station, situated along Outering Road in Nairobi’s Kariobangi, and spoke with Nancy, a battery swap operator, to gain insights into the company’s solar consumption.

• She said that while cost savings are not the main goal for their solar power, it has come in handy during blackouts and grid power interruptions, ensuring riders get their batteries powered efficiently.

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• Initially brought to life with funding from the European Union, the facility opened its doors in January 2024 and was fully operational by the third quarter of the same year. It offers a quick, seamless, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fueling. Riders can simply swap their depleted batteries for fully charged ones in minutes, keeping them on the move without delay.

• What truly sets the Roam station apart is its hybrid power system, which combines solar energy with the national grid. This dual approach ensures reliable, uninterrupted service while significantly reducing operational costs and the station's carbon footprint. It's a prime example of how renewable energy can support urban infrastructure, aligning perfectly with global efforts to combat climate change.

• The station features 12 high-efficiency solar panels, each rated at 550 watts, an inverter and a battery, providing a robust supply of clean energy. This solar setup also powers essential auxiliary systems, including a bright 10 W floodlight, reliable Wi-Fi for users, and a comfortable air conditioner for staff, all of which run on sunshine.

• Currently, the station is staffed by two dedicated employees working in shifts, from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, ensuring riders have access throughout most of the day. On an average day, the facility caters to between 15 and 20 electric bikes, a number that's steadily climbing as more Kenyans embrace the benefits of electric mobility.

• While the specific investment cost for this hub remains undisclosed, the strategic integration of solar power has been key to offsetting expenses, making the project economically sustainable for the long haul. This forward-thinking initiative by Roam not only highlights their commitment to sustainable innovation but also offers an exciting glimpse into the future of urban transportation, not just in Kenya but across the region.