Start-up Incubator
New electro-mobility solutions are a key element for the implementation of the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda. To develop those innovative and integrated solutions, cooperation between cities worldwide, industry and innovators is key. The Start-up Incubator is part of the SOLUTIONSplus project.
Start-ups in Africa
Kenya
STIMA Mobility
Stima’s Mobility (Kenya) battery swapping technology transforms African moto-taxis, allowing riders to embrace electric bikes without upfront battery costs, significantly reducing energy and maintenance expenses. Their strategic partnership facilitates the development of electric motorcycles and a network of swapping stations, while subsidized lease-to-own plans empower women, promoting sustainable urban mobility across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Dar es Salaam - Tanzania
AFRICROOZE
AfricroozE GmbH (Tanzania), formed by EURIST e.V., aims to boost e-bicycle adoption in Africa through successful pilot projects promoting socio-economic development, partnering with FABIO in Uganda and currently operating in multiple African nations. Within SOLUTIONSplus, they provided pedal-assist electric bicycles jointly designed by EURIST, Hero India, and HNF Nicolai, facilitating urban deliveries and medical supply transport, demonstrating innovative designs to address diverse needs across urban and rural Africa. The initiative also included comprehensive training sessions for local assemblers, ensuring sustainable maintenance and capacity-building within the community.
Kampala - Uganda
ZEMBO
Zembo is leading the African transition to electric mobility.
Based in Kampala, Uganda, we provide affordable (PayGo) electric two-wheelers to low-income motorcycle-taxi drivers, most known locally as “boda-boda” drivers. We offer a battery swapping service to our clients, enabling to swap within minutes at any of our stations.
Zembo is paving the way to a greener Africa with a clean alternative to the most common mode of transportation in East Africa.
Dar es Salaam - Tanzania
EKOGLOBE
EKOglobe is a growing cleantech company in Tanzania operating in the field of electric mobility and sustainable energy solutions, with the vision to lead Africa’s transition to green mobility and renewable energy. EKOglobe equips energy-vulnerable communities and taxi drivers with energy services, creating synergies between clean energy, electric mobility and agriculture to provide access to clean affordable energy services, mobility services and consumer financing.
The company designs, assembles, owns, manages, leases and retrofits electric three-wheelers while offering on-demand pick-up and delivery services, agro-centric e-mobility and charging infrastructures all powered by 100% green energy.
EKOglobe brings in a strong partnership for the project, integrating the ELICO foundation providing charging infrastructure, training of local technicians and community mobilisation, and the Germany-based company Micro Energy International supporting data evaluation and impact measurement.
Dar es Salaam - Tanzania
ZIOTIO UN Limited (Brand TRI)
Ziotio Un is an electric mobility company based in Tanzania (brand name: TRÄ«). TRÄ« sells smart, IoT-connected, zero-emissions electric 3-wheelers directly to professional taxi drivers in a lease-to-own scheme.
Registered in Tanzania and with a holding in the Netherlands, TRÄ« offers a fully integrated electric mobility value chain with control on manufacturing (R&D), logistic management to market, distribution, and end-customer management, enabling quick feedback loops and continuous iterations to improve their hard- and software offerings. TRÄ«’s solution is based on an intelligent internet connected system that offers 100% remote asset control via a web and phone app, and a Battery Management System which monitors the performance of each cell of the smart battery in real-time.
In 2022, TRI proved product-market fit for its electric 3-wheelers in Dar Es Salaam, achieving operational cost targets at 94%, established a waiting list of 30 customers for the next product shipment, and plans an increase in fleet size to 250 electric 3-wheelers.
Kigali - Rwanda
Ampersand
Ampersand, founded in Kigali, Rwanda, pioneers affordable electric motorcycles and battery swapping systems, driving Africa towards a zero-carbon future.
Their innovative model enables e-moto drivers to swap batteries at charging stations, reducing costs and emissions significantly compared to petrol motorcycles. With a fleet of over 1,350 vehicles, expansion to Kenya and a focus on gender inclusion, Ampersand leads in sustainable transportation solutions, supported by the SOLUTIONSplus initiative. Their R&D efforts in locally designed and assembled batteries further underscore their commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship.
Kigali - Rwanda
GUARIDE
GURARIDE (Rwanda), a leading e-mobility public bike-share system in Rwanda, collaborates with the City of Kigali to launch operations in key cycling corridors, promoting sustainable transportation amid growing urbanization. Through SOLUTIONSplus, Guraride pioneers the integration of pedal-assist electric bicycles, addressing the challenges of hilly terrains and rugged landscapes while offering convenience and durability for users, marking a significant advancement in the region’s micro-mobility sector.
Dar es Salaam - Tanzania
AUTO-TRUCK
DIT & Auto Truck (Tanzania), aiming to mitigate climate change effects, introduces electric three-wheelers and pushcarts for light transportation in East Africa, with a goal of achieving a 30% share of electric vehicles in cities. With the assembly of electric three-wheelers, retrofitting of ICE vehicles and establishment of charging infrastructure, Auto Truck collaborates with the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology to advance electric vehicle assembly and promote green technology, earning recognition including awards from the Royal Academy of Engineering in London for their innovative efforts.
Dar es Salaam - Tanzania
SESCOM
Sustainable Energy Service Company (SESCOM) Limited, focused on efficient production and use of electricity, its collaborating with other two partner companies from Tanzania, Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit (DART), and Jiwe-Kubwa Automobile Company to further develop electric mobility in their country.
Lome - Togo
MANA Mobility
Our ambition with the MANA bike was to create an electric bike (eBike) specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the African context. To bring this vision to fruition, we employed a human-centered design framework, engaging in a series of design sprint workshops and testing different prototype iterations in Ghana. These workshops meticulously considered local needs and demands, involving conversations with over 1000 individuals spanning all regions of Ghana. By designing with their unique requirements in mind and considering the challenges posed by local road conditions, we ensured the bike's suitability for the region. Furthermore, gender inclusivity principles were factored in our design process, addressing the typical lack of female-oriented electric vehicles. Additionally, a circular economy approach was adopted, embracing sustainable practices where feasible throughout the design journey.
Kigali - Rwanda
BASIGO
BasiGo (Kenya & Rwanda) pioneers clean, electric public transport in Africa, launching the first electric buses in Nairobi and expanding to Kigali, Rwanda, with a fleet of 19 electric buses deployed in Nairobi alone, mitigating CO2 emissions and diesel consumption. Through innovative Pay-As-You-Drive financing, BasiGo eliminates the high upfront cost of electric buses for private operators, enabling widespread adoption and offering convenient charging and maintenance services, setting a precedent for sustainable urban mobility solutions.
Kisii - Kenya
East african rural mobility and smart villages
EASVRM (Kenya) pioneers rural e-mobility solutions in Kisii, Kenya, facilitating first-and-last-mile logistics and promoting access to modern energy for the Kisii Smart Community through a fleet of electric three-wheelers, serving over 400 local beneficiaries daily and fostering economic empowerment for women vendors. Through innovative partnerships and a circular economy approach, EASVRM extends the life of lithium-ion batteries, promotes local content and capacity building and empowers female entrepreneurs with training and business support, contributing to sustainable development and improved livelihoods in peri-urban communities, enhancing regional economic stability and resilience in Kenya.
Sierra Leone
Mobile Power
Mobile Power, operating in Sierra Leone and other African countries, pioneers battery-swap solutions for electric two- and three-wheelers, catering to the needs of commercial motorbike riders in off-grid markets. Through collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Mobile Power integrates solar-powered battery-swap hubs with local car washes, empowering youth to maintain and oversee the battery-swapping process, ensuring reliable and sustainable e-mobility solutions across Freetown.
Sierra Leone
NEEV Salone
NEEV Salone (Sierra Leone) introduces Sierra Leone’s first eco-friendly electric and solar vehicles, offering employment opportunities and cost-effective transportation solutions in Freetown, with a focus on enhancing urban mobility. Through SOLUTIONSplus, NEEV Salone pioneers battery swapping stations, fosters gender-inclusive training programs and develops a user-friendly mobile app, showcasing a commitment to sustainable transportation and environmental stewardship in Sierra Leone.
Start-ups in Asia
Hanoi - Vietnam
QIQ
QIQ – Elevate Mobility has a mission: to build a green, sustainable, shared transportation system for Vietnam. It is passionate about making a positive change in transportation in a sustainable and climate friendly way and they do this by providing shared micro-mobility across a connected mobile app. Users will be able to book, rent, use and travel with electric micro-mobility vehicle across Vietnam and eventually South East Asia (SEA). QIQ – Elevate Mobility believes in helping the cities’ transit into a climate friendly transport infrastructure.
Pasig - Philippines
Tojo Motors Corporation
ToJo Motors Corporation (‘ToJo Motors’) is a 100% Filipino-owned company that develops modern technologies, operates after-sales facilities and service centres, and sells key components for green transportation. ToJo Motors specialises in the production of electric vehicles (three and four-wheelers) that can be used to cover the needs of hotel and resorts, cities municipalities and barangays, real estate developments, or of schools and campuses.
Kathmandu - Nepal
Shree Eco-Visionary
Shree Eco Visionary Pvt. Ltd (SEV) was established in Nepal in 2008. Its goal is the promotion of electric vehicles that can be fuelled by clean hydro power produced domestically. This would lower the Nepal’s dependency on imported fossil fuel while preventing the release of harmful greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.
Pasig - Philippines
Clean Energy International
Shree Eco Visionary Pvt. Ltd (SEV) was established in Nepal in 2008. Its goal is the promotion of electric vehicles that can be fuelled by clean hydro power produced domestically. This would lower the Nepal’s dependency on imported fossil fuel while preventing the release of harmful greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.
Kathmandu - Nepal
Clean Energy International
Rickshaws, providing affordable electric two-wheelers and locally manufactured electric three wheelers since 2014. Through innovative initiatives like remodeling Safa Tempo (electric 3-wheeler) with better performance for passenger and cargo use and converting petrol mini-van to electric, they’re contributing to emissions reduction, recognized through awards like the SME project under the SOLUTIONSplus initiative.
Laos
Loca Company Limited
LOCA Mobility Ecosystem in Laos and the Mekong region is leading the charge in eco-friendly transportation, boasting a fleet of 370 electric vehicles and plans to expand to 2,500 by 2030. Their innovative self-sufficient approach, including a custom payment system and unique electric vehicle development, sets them apart as a leader in sustainable mobility within ASEAN, with projected annual CO2 reduction of 3,000,000 kg by 2030. They are have regional cooperation with Udon Thani, Thailand to develop e-3-wheeler services under SOLUTONSplus replication project.
Vietnam
MBI Motors
MBI Motors’ (Vietnam) venture, MBI Sharing, has rapidly become a cornerstone of Vietnam’s shared e-bike market, boasting a user base of over 60,000 riders and reducing CO2 emissions by nearly 57 tons. Their emphasis on user-friendly innovation, from robust e-bike design to a streamlined app experience, has propelled their success, paving the way for into major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. MBI sharing is also willing to support SOLUTIONSplus demo in Hanoi on expanding the e-2 wheeler shared system in major locations to increase environment friendly last mile connectivity to public transportation and other destinations.
Thailand
STL Group Holdings Company Limited
STL Group Holdings Co. Ltd, (Thailand) has prioritized electric mobility R&D, customer training and after-sales support, contributing nearly 90% of its resources to propel the adoption of electric vehicles in Thailand. With strategic partnerships like SOLUTIONSplus, they’ve deployed close to 1,000 electric motorcycles, notably benefiting motorcycle taxi riders. Leading in innovation, STL Group operates a cutting-edge facility, committed to delivering high-performance electric motorcycles that prioritize safety and sustainability, solidifying their role as an OEM and ODM in the global EV market.
Thailand
Swap & Go
Swap & Go, (Thailand) a subsidiary of PTT, has led the charge in revolutionizing electric mobility through innovative battery swapping services, boasting 30 strategically placed stations catering to over 100 riders. Collaborating with various electric motorcycle models like Stallions and I-Motor, Swap & Go offers rental services and battery swapping packages via their user-friendly mobile app. Their pioneering universal battery system, coupled with partnerships with OEMs and initiatives like SOLUTIONSplus, underscores their commitment to creating a robust and accessible electric two-wheeler ecosystem while empowering local businesses.
Start-ups in Latin America
Colombia
Logyca
Logyca (Colombia) exemplified by their successful pilot of electric vehicles for last-mile logistics, facilitating nearly 15,000 deliveries across five cities while promoting collaborative models to reduce carbon emissions. They actively promote collaborative business and operational models to improve transport logistics, reduce carbon emissions and enhance decision-making through innovative tools like performance dashboards for visualizing pilot results.
Montevideo - Uruguay
Cargo Bike
Cargo Bike was founded in Montevideo, Uruguay, and its objective is to promote cargo bikes as mobility alternative in Uruguay. To tackle the lack of affordable cargo bikes in Montevideo, Cargo Bike aims to develop and produce Long John type cargo bikes for the local market. To this end, it designs its vehicles by repurposing disused bicycles and combining them with standard components available locally. A first prototype has been developed and tested for over a year with excellent results. Cargo Bike has now developed two different models of bikes, produced 5 E-cargo bikes and created a monitoring app.
Montevideo - Uruguay
Wheele
Wheele’s proposal encompasses the manufacturing of 3 cargo tricycles; the tricycles are made with imported parts and national assembly recycled from cigarette butts. For example, the cargo box is made in Uruguay with 100% recycled material. At a second stage, a local plan of adaptations to the box (also made with 100% recycled material) will be developed to accommodate different types of uses. It is technically feasible to manufacture the drawer or container from recycled materials. Pressing is the right technique to create the plates that make up the walls of the drawers: cigarette butts, being a small waste of low volume and weight, could not be used in their entirety to make the plates.
Montevideo - Uruguay
Green Star
Green Star aims to develop two utility e-tricycles with a unique design based on two front wheels and one rear wheel. To reduce the environmental footprint of transport, Green Star will convert their highly successful internal combustion engine tricycle in a e-vehicle. Moreover, Green Star’s choice to use second life batteries will increase the sustainability of their e-vehicles even more. Finally, Green Star will introduce a use case on provision of services.
Quito - Ecuador
Sidertech
Sidertech (Ecuador), an innovative company, is manufacturing 4 e-quadricycles named Phoenix with seed funding from the SOLUTIONSplus project, incorporating VALEO powertrains to create environmentally friendly transportation solutions. Phoenix, a uniquely designed electric vehicle, combines the comfort of a car with the agility of a motorcycle, providing a sustainable and user-friendly option for urban transit in Ecuador.
Quito - Ecuador
Plural - BixiCargo
Bixicargo, an Ecuadorian start-up, promotes sustainable mobility in electric cargo bicycles for goods transportation across Ecuador and Latin America. They manufactured 10 e-cargo bikes and tested them in Quito for 2 months, achieving significant efficiency gains for different use cases, covering 1,071 km, transporting 16 tons of cargo, reducing emissions by 491.74 kg CO2e and innovating with electric motor assistance and user-centric designs, with ongoing support to enhance their designs further.
Argentina
Coradir
Coradir (Argentina) specializes in developing electronic equipment and electric vehicles, working closely with national and provincial governments to produce various vehicle models for public and corporate sectors. Their “Tita” electric pick-up trucks, with a 500kg load capacity and 100km autonomy, were successfully piloted for agricultural logistics in Escobar, demonstrating potential for broader municipal program applications.
Uruguay - Montevideo
EVE-MOVE
Eve-Move (Uruguay), an SME specializing in EV chargers, provides comprehensive services from supply and installation to maintenance and operation, supporting residential, commercial and public charging needs to enhance the growing EV market. They have installed over 10 chargers in key locations across Montevideo, Canelones, and Punta del Este, partnered with local governments for public fast chargers, launched a mobile app for real-time monitoring and collaborated with renewable energy providers, significantly contributing to sustainable urban mobility.
Cuenca - Ecuador
Farmasol
Farmasol (Ecuador), a public company from Cuenca, focuses on providing affordable medications, supplements and personal care products while promoting sustainable and decentralized development. As part of the SOLUTIONSplus project, they implemented two electric tricycles for last-mile logistics to replace heavy diesel trucks, enhancing their pharmacy delivery operations with a 300kg load capacity.
Ecuador
Miral
MIRAL (Ecuador) specializes in designing and manufacturing buses, showcasing innovation by locally assembling Ecuador’s first electric electric bus and receiving funding to produce e-minivans for logistics and passenger transportation in Quito. Their commitment to innovation is evident in their diverse product range, including mobile offices and clinics, while recognition from global brands like SCANIA and MERCEDES BENZ underscores their industry leadership and quality standards.
Argentina
Sero Electric
Sero Electric (Argentina), an Argentine manufacturer, specializes in electric vehicles, producing innovative models with a focus on sustainability since 2010, including electric vans funded by the SOLUTIONSplus project for parcel distribution in partnership with the National Postal Service, enhancing operations & reducing emissions. With a 2000 square meter plant in Buenos Aires, they are poised for mass production, offering various models for cargo, passenger transport and specialized logistics operations, aiming to introduce cutting-edge electric vehicles with extended range.
Colombia
Tembici
Tembici (Colombia), a leading micromobility company in Latin America, operates docked bike-sharing systems across multiple cities, achieving over 70 million rides and significant CO2 emissions reduction. With funding from the SOLUTIONSplus project, they innovated by incorporating electric engines into mechanical handcycles, enhancing mobility access for People with Disabilities and demonstrating a commitment to inclusive and sustainable urban transportation solutions.
Ecuador
Carishina En Bici
Carishina en Bici (Ecuador) is a community-based organization founded in 2010 by Charlotte Fagan, a US biker. Named after a Kichwa word meaning “like a man,” it promotes urban biking among women in Quito, Ecuador, to increase their city presence, raise awareness of their rights and use biking as a political tool. Key activities include the Hadas Madrinas en Bici mentorship program and free urban and countryside rides, encouraging women to move freely and autonomously in Quito.