How far can an electric motorcycle travel on a single battery charge? While most batteries are designed to last around 80 kilometers, Kenyan e-mobility company Roam has demonstrated that relying on solar power can take you much farther — as long as the sun keeps shining.
In a groundbreaking test of electric motorcycle endurance, Roam’s flagship model, the Roam Air, completed a 6,000-kilometer journey across sub-Saharan Africa. The motorcycle traveled from Nairobi to Stellenbosch, South Africa, over 18 days, relying exclusively on solar energy to recharge its batteries. The trip showcased new benchmarks for battery resilience and adaptability under real-world conditions.
“This journey isn’t just about distance, but about proving how robust electric vehicle batteries can be,” said Thinus Booysen, a professor of engineering at Stellenbosch University, which partnered in the expedition.
The Roam Air, equipped with a dual battery system, navigated through five countries and various challenging terrains. It endured scorching heat, unpredictable rainstorms, and unpaved roads, offering researchers valuable insights into battery behavior. On the final day, the motorcycle pushed its limits, covering 1,000 kilometers in under 18 hours.
The cost comparison between electric and petrol-powered motorcycles is striking. For a conventional petrol bike, you would need about 4.5 liters of fuel to cover 100 kilometers. Over a 1,000-kilometer journey, that adds up to 45 liters, and at current Kenyan fuel prices (Sh180.68 per liter), it would cost Sh8,130. To complete the 6,000-kilometer journey, the petrol costs would surpass Sh48,000. On a return trip, that figure would double to over Sh97,000. Roam’s solar-powered expedition, in contrast, didn’t cost a cent in fuel.
One key milestone occurred when the Roam Air covered 113 kilometers on a single battery charge, a significant feat given the limited charging infrastructure and rough African terrain. This success demonstrates how electric vehicles can overcome “range anxiety,” a major concern for potential users.
“This is a historic moment for Roam and for African innovation,” said Masa Kituyi, Roam’s Product Owner and one of the riders on the trip. “We received incredible support from communities along the way, who were excited about the prospects of African-made electric mobility.”
The reliance on solar power for recharging points to the potential of renewable energy for transportation, particularly in regions with unreliable power grids. Roam’s journey signals the viability of solar-powered electric vehicles in addressing Africa’s mobility challenges, offering a more sustainable option for long-distance travel.
The Roam Air will now be integrated into Stellenbosch University’s Electric Mobility Lab, where researchers will continue to study its battery performance. The goal is to refine electric vehicle technology and push the boundaries of battery efficiency, potentially influencing the global electric vehicle market.
Despite the successes, the journey also highlighted the areas that need improvement. The research team observed that factors such as terrain, temperature, and the motorcycle’s payload significantly affect battery performance. These challenges underscore the need for continued innovation.
As the world faces increasing pressure to cut carbon emissions, Roam’s 6,000-kilometer trip serves as a glimpse into a future where long-distance, zero-emission travel is possible — even in some of the most demanding environments.