Kenyans will start enjoying rides in electric-powered vehicles after EkoRent-a Finnish company dealing in electric mobility launched full electric cabs in Nairobi.
EkoRent launched Nopia ride on Thursday at the Two Rivers Mall in Ruaka which marks a milestone as East Africa’s first ever electric mobility service.
“We have now launched our zero-emission electric transportation service pilot in Nairobi. We aim to increase our fleet size to around a couple of hundred vehicles by the end of the year. Join now and ride clean with Nopia!” reads a statement posted on their website.
EkoRent founder and CEO Juha Suojanen while speaking at the launch said their decision to launch Nopia ride in Nairobi was inspired by traffic congestion which translates to increased pollution.
“Nairobi is a fast-growing city with considerable traffic congestion. The World Bank reports that the transport sector accounted for more than half of all the carbon dioxide emissions Kenya produced in 2014,” Said Juha as reported by www.pulse.ng.
“Nairobi City can benefit from Nopia electric ride service that helps in solving the increasing emission and urban transportation challenges while creating jobs for the populace,” added the CEO.
Nairobi Head of Public Health Dr Kepha Ombacho hailed the development terming it as an effort to help in environmental conservation.
“In line with the United Nation Goals for Sustainable Development, I am happy to see Kenya continue to play her part particularly in the pursuance of sustainable and clean energy. I urge more players in the private sector to prioritize developing environmentally friendly technologies and complement the government’s efforts on implementing them," Ombacho stated.
In its website, the company says Nopia ride should be the number one choice for those seeking cab services because they aim to reach zero pollution levels.
“We care about the environment. Therefore, all our Nopia vehicles are non-polluting electric cars. By choosing Nopia, you help to reduce harmful emissions and to improve the air quality around you,” the company further adds.