Ampersand e-moto

Market Suggested Retail Price

$1,600.00

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Ampersand

Manufacturing/Building Method

The e-motos are designed and assembled in East Africa, using off-the-shelf parts where possible. Ampersand opened the region's first lithium-ion manufacturing facility in Rwanda for the production of their battery packs.  Ampersand plans to have production at +1000 battery packs in 2021.^{Interview with manufacturer 2020}

Intellectural Property Type

Trademarked

User Provision Model

Ampersand offers riders the option to either purchase the e-motos outright or lease them on a pay-as-you-drive model. Battery swap stations allow for depleted batteries to be replaced by charged units, where the driver pays for energy used.

Distributions to Date Status

As of 2020, 3 swap stations and 25 Ampersand e-motos are operating in Rwanda.^{Interview with manufacturer 2020}

Design Specifications

The e-motos can travel at a top speed of ~80 km/h, have automatic transmission and front and rear disc brakes. There is a high power brushless DC motor in the rear wheel with electric regenerative braking. Each e-moto features a storage compartment and a high power LED headlight. The lithium batteries are expected to deliver around 60-90 km of range and can be swapped out at charging stations in less than 2 minutes. They have built-in safety against impact and short circuit, fast charging and passive cooling technology. The batteries are managed through Amper-Ops online and mobile platforms which can track information such as the number of swaps, revenue, and ride distance. It offers battery health analysis and geofencing alarms, along with a smart maintenance system providing pre-emptive automatic alerts on battery and vehicle repairs.

Technical Support

The battery fleet management platform features smart maintenance systems that automatically alert Ampersand to required battery or vehicle repairs before breakdowns happen.

Replacement Components

Standard motorcycle components like mirrors, handlebars and lights are made to be replaceable. The standard aftermarket spare parts are commonly available in East Africa.

Lifecycle

Expected lifespan of the battery is ~7 years and vehicle is ~4 years assuming it drives 180 km a day. Warranty is 12 months or 10,000 km.^{Interview with manufacturer 2020}

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Ampersand aim to double motorcycle taxi drivers' income by saving money on vehicle cost and fuel. They also aim to out-compete petrol motorcycles on power, durability and performance. By utilising solar power, they plan to contribute towards a zero carbon future in Rwanda and East Africa.

Vetted Performance Status

Ampersand conducted lab and road testing on five different prototype vehicles in 2018, before finalising the current design. Calculations by the manufacturer estimate that e-Motos can half drivers' daily fuel costs from ~5.50 USD to ~2.70 USD, which would result in additional yearly profits of up to 900 USD. They also estimate that e-Motos produce 75% less lifecycle greenhouse gas emission then petrol alternatives while being more comfortable and powerful. However, no third-party testing has been completed.

Safety

The noiselessness of the electric vehicles can present a traffic hazard. Ampersand have added electric speakers to the e-motos to try to combat this. Helmets are required to be worn on all motorcycles in Rwanda.

Complementary Technical Systems

Amper-Ops online and mobile platforms and Ampersand battery swap systems.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

Unknown

Other Information

Ampersand in partnership with Biras, an on-demand delivery service in Kigali. PDF detailing investment received from Rwanda Green Fund to test, demonstrate and improve e-moto and battery charging system in Rwanda. Ampersand celebrates 250,000 km traveled by its first 20 motorcycle taxis.