Nairobi: Global two-wheeler manufacturer TVS Motor Company has officially entered the African electric mobility market with the launch of its premium electric scooter, the TVS iQube, in Nairobi. The entry into Kenya marks a significant milestone in the company’s international expansion strategy as urban commuters increasingly seek affordable, environmentally friendly transport solutions amid rising fuel costs and growing demand for sustainable mobility.
According to Kenya News Agency, the launch, held at the Tamarind Tree Hotel in Nairobi, was conducted in partnership with Car and General Kenya, the company’s long-standing distributor in the country for more than two decades. TVS Motor Company President for International Business Peyman Kargar remarked that Kenya provides a strategic entry point for the company’s electric mobility expansion across Africa. Kargar emphasized their vision to transform lives through sustainable mobility and expressed pride in introducing the TVS iQube to the African market.
Kargar further stated that the launch reflects the company’s commitment to expanding innovative electric solutions across international markets while strengthening its global growth strategy. He expressed confidence that TVS Motor’s established presence in Africa, coupled with its growing electric vehicle portfolio, would enable the company to provide long-term value to consumers and strengthen its position in the emerging electric mobility sector.
At a time when Kenya’s transport sector is gradually shifting towards cleaner energy solutions, Car and General Chief Executive Officer Vijay Gidoomal commented on Africa’s expanding two-wheeler market, projecting growth rates between seven and 10 percent annually through 2030. He noted that the electric two-wheeler segment is growing even faster, with forecasts indicating annual growth of between 15 and 25 percent through 2030.
Gidoomal observed that factors such as increasing fuel prices, improved technology, and growing awareness of environmental sustainability are likely to accelerate the adoption of electric motorcycles and scooters across the continent. TVS Motor Company Vice President for International Business Madhu Prakash Singh said the TVS iQube offers commuters an economical alternative to traditional petrol-powered scooters.
Technical estimates presented during the launch indicated that riders who switch from a conventional 125cc petrol scooter to the electric model could save approximately Sh47,000 annually through reduced fuel and maintenance costs. The TVS iQube will be available in Kenya in two variants: the TVS iQube 3.5 and TVS iQube 2.2, offering varying battery capacities and ranges.
The premium TVS iQube 3.5 is equipped with two lithium-ion battery packs with a combined capacity of 3.5 kWh, providing a real-world range of up to 115 kilometres on a single charge and a top speed of 82 kilometres per hour. The TVS iQube 2.2 comes with a 2.2 kWh battery capacity, offering a range of about 75 kilometres and a maximum speed of 75 kilometres per hour.
Both models feature an IP67-rated waterproof battery protection system, a 4.6 kW hub-mounted electric motor, and various digital connectivity features through the TVS SmartXonnect platform. Charging is designed to suit ordinary household infrastructure, allowing users to recharge the scooters via a portable 950W charger connected to a standard wall socket.
To ensure reliable customer support, the scooters will be distributed and serviced through Car and General’s nationwide dealership network, with each unit coming with a manufacturer warranty and after-sales support. Globally, TVS Motor Company reports over one million units of the iQube sold, covering significant distances and helping offset substantial carbon dioxide emissions.
