Electric cars
Import an electric or hybrid car
Thinking about an EV or hybrid? We'll help you choose the right car, import it and get it on the road in Kenya.
Charge on Kenya's clean power, spend less per kilometre and enjoy a quieter drive.
Why go electric in Kenya
Kenya is one of the best places in the world to drive electric
About 90%
of Kenya's electricity comes from renewables
Geothermal from the Rift Valley, hydro, wind and solar power most of the grid, so charging an EV here is among the cleanest driving anywhere.
KES 8–16
per unit on Kenya Power's e-mobility tariff
EPRA approved a special tariff for EV charging in 2023: about KES 16 per unit at peak times and KES 8 off-peak. Charge overnight for the lowest price.
Fewer
moving parts to service
No oil changes, spark plugs, clutch or exhaust. Regenerative braking also means brake pads last much longer.
No more
queues at the pump
Plug in at home at night and wake up to a full battery. Fuel price rises stop being your problem.
Instant
power, silent ride
Electric motors deliver full power the moment you press the pedal, with no engine noise in Nairobi traffic.
Cleaner
air in our cities
No exhaust fumes means cleaner air on busy roads, at school drop-offs and in your own driveway.
Savings calculator
How much would you save going electric?
Move the sliders to match your driving. Change the fuel price to today's pump price.
Each month
Petrol car
KES 0
Electric car
KES 0
You could save about
KES 0
a month, or KES 0 a year
0% less spent on getting around
An estimate for fuel and electricity only, assuming an electric car uses about 1 unit (kWh) for every 6 km and you drive 30 days a month. Real costs depend on the car, your driving and current prices.
Get a quote for an electric carCharging
As easy as charging your phone
-
1
At home
Plug into a home charger or a suitable socket overnight and leave with a full battery. We can advise on getting a charging point installed.
-
2
At work or the mall
More offices, malls and hotels in Nairobi now offer charging while you park.
-
3
On longer trips
Plan stops at public fast chargers, or choose a hybrid or plug-in hybrid if you often drive upcountry.
Electric, hybrid or plug-in hybrid?
Hybrids combine a petrol engine with a small battery that charges itself. They suit drivers who want lower fuel costs without changing their routine.
Plug-in hybrids can drive a short distance on electricity alone, with petrol as a backup for longer trips.
Fully electric cars run only on electricity. They are cheapest to run and ideal for daily town driving, especially if you can charge at home.
Electric cars we can source
Popular choices include the Nissan Leaf and BYD Dolphin for town driving, and electric SUVs for families. See electric cars in our marketplace, or browse hybrids.
Things to check before importing an EV
- Battery health: we check the battery condition report before you buy
- Charging: where you will charge at home, at work or at public stations
- Range: whether it covers your daily and weekend trips
- Duty: electric cars are taxed differently from petrol cars, and we'll include this in your quote
Myths and facts
Questions Kenyans ask about EVs
"The battery won't last."
Most manufacturers guarantee EV batteries for around 8 years, and batteries lose capacity slowly. Before you buy an imported EV, we check its battery health report so you know exactly what you are getting.
"I'll run out of charge."
Most new electric cars cover roughly 250 to 450 km on a full battery, and older models less. That is several days of typical town driving. If you often drive long distances upcountry, a hybrid or plug-in hybrid may suit you better, and we'll help you choose.
"What about power cuts?"
Most charging happens overnight, and a full battery lasts several days, so a short power cut rarely matters. Hybrids never need plugging in at all.
"EVs are too expensive."
The car may cost more to buy, but electricity costs much less per kilometre than petrol and servicing is simpler. Use the calculator above to see your own numbers, and we'll show the full landed cost in your quote.
"Who will service it?"
EVs need far less routine servicing than petrol cars, and more Kenyan garages are training for electric and hybrid cars. Ask us for recommendations when your car arrives.
Sources: Kenya Power and EPRA for the e-mobility tariff and Kenya's electricity mix. Prices and tax rules change, so your Seaways quote always uses current rates.
Ready to go electric?
Browse electric cars and hybrids at auction in Japan, or book a free consultation and we'll help you choose.