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Kenya's auto market is warming up to the EV (Electric Vehicle) Revolution, and a major player effecting this transition from ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) is Ampersand, a manufacturing company that found its start in Kigali, Rwanda with 20 units. Fast-foward to the present (2 years after their launch in Nairobi, Kenya), the company has made extensive progress with its fleet reaching 1000 e-motorcycles on the roads of Kenya and Rwanda and amounting to 115,000 monthly swaps (as of June). The company also opened East Africa’s first lithium-ion (Li-ion) manufacturing facility, where the swappable battery packs are made.
Concept and Research
Before its inception, Ampersand's CEO Josh Wale conducted extensive research in China on low-cost EVs and profitable fuel-centric businesses. Finding a niche in Kigali's moto-dense scene, Ampersand began prototyping rigs with CAD software (Fusion 360) donated by Autodesk. The challenge Alp Tilev (Ampersand’s CTO) faced was to determine what type and configuration of electric two-wheeler would perform well in Rwanda and compete with the local market-standard 125cc motorbikes. They conducted extensive performance tests, including hill climbing and fuel economy assessments, to benchmark against existing petrol motorcycles. Feedback from 30 drivers was also relied on for design choices like alloy-rimmed wheels instead of spoked wheels, as well as incorporating a longer wheelbase.
Design and Protoype
Ampersand began testing its electric motorcycles with a vision to provide a better, cheaper alternative to petrol motorbikes for the three million motorcycle taxi drivers in East Africa. Their approach involved developing five different prototypes using off-the-shelf vehicles and components from China, which were then adapted to meet the local requirements. MotorLab, a startup space in Berlin, offered rapid prototyping for Ampersand, using laser-cutting technology to create a few of the pieces required for the prototypes.
The finished motorcycles would integrate several advanced features including: enhanced safety lights, an Ampersand Mid-Drive chain drive PMSM with 67 Nm of torque, a top speed of 80 km/h and a range of 72 km on real-world heavy-duty runs. A built-in FM radio and a smart digital display would add convenience, while the storage compartment would provide practical utility. The design would also include a dynamic energy recovery system, a swap subframe for easy maintenance, and a swappable smart battery to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency. This was all realized in its first commercial launch in 2019.
Designing the Battery Pack
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Unlike electric vehicles designed from scratch, retrofitting an ICE motorcycle requires a deep understanding of the existing architecture. Ampersand used advanced 3D modeling and simulation tools to map out the internal structure of various motorcycle models. This mapping was crucial to determine the optimal placement and size of the battery pack, ensuring it fits seamlessly without altering the bike's center of gravity or balance. With help from Ampersand’s Berlin-based research and development team, its team employed computer-aided design software and rapid prototyping facilities to develop the battery since there wasn't anything in the market that could fit the demand.
Their battery housing packs have real-time data monitoring capabilities, and passive cooling systems. Built-in BLE/GSM/GPS functionalities enable seamless connectivity and over-the-air configurations and updates. Rapid charge technology ensures quick replenishment of power, while built-in anti-theft and anti-tamper technology provided robust security measures. The field-maintainable design further streamlines upkeep, complemented by built-in safety standards compliant with UN38.3 regulations.
Looking Ahead
With a huge share of Kigali's moto market at 70% and commercial strides in Kenya, Ampersand's commitment to innovation and sustainability is paving the way for a cleaner, greener future in the transportation industry. Its contribution to industrial design serve as a beacon to, not only Kenya, but to the region at large.
