How far can an electric motorcycle travel on a single battery charge? While conventional wisdom suggests around 80 kilometers, a recent pilot demonstration by Kenyan e-mobility company Roam is pushing that boundary, proving that with the right innovation, the limits of electric travel can be extended—especially when powered by the sun.
Roam’s electric motorcycle, Roam Air, just completed a 6,000-kilometer journey from Nairobi to Stellenbosch, South Africa, relying entirely on solar power for recharging. The journey, which spanned 18 days and crossed five countries, showcased the durability and resilience of electric vehicle batteries under extreme conditions, setting new benchmarks for battery life in the process.
“This journey is not just about distance but about proving the resilience and adaptability of electric vehicle batteries,” said Thinus Booysen, a professor of engineering at Stellenbosch University, a partner in the expedition. The Roam Air’s dual battery system was put to the ultimate test, navigating through diverse terrains, scorching heat, and unexpected rainstorms—conditions that provided crucial data on battery behavior and performance.
One of the most remarkable feats occurred on the final day of the journey when Roam Air covered 1,000 kilometers in under 18 hours, proving the strength of its charge capacity. Along the way, the motorcycle also set a key milestone by traveling 113 kilometers on a single battery charge, demonstrating the potential of electric vehicles to overcome range anxiety—one of the primary concerns for prospective buyers.
For comparison, riding a petrol-powered motorcycle over 1,000 kilometers would require 45 liters of fuel, costing around Sh8,130 in Kenya at current prices. The entire 6,000-kilometer trip would total nearly Sh50,000 in fuel, underscoring the significant savings and environmental benefits of going electric.
“This journey is a historic milestone for Roam Air and for African innovation,” said Masa Kituyi, Roam’s Product Owner and one of the riders on the trip. “We received incredible support from local communities along the way, who are excited about the possibilities of electric mobility made in Africa.”
The expedition was not only a showcase of the motorcycle’s capabilities but also a testament to the viability of solar energy in powering electric vehicles. With charging infrastructure still limited in many parts of Africa, relying on solar power offers a sustainable solution to meet the continent’s growing transportation needs. The journey’s success suggests that renewable energy could play a pivotal role in the future of electric vehicles, especially in regions with unreliable power grids.
As electric vehicles gain traction globally, lessons from Roam’s journey could inform future developments in battery technology and charging infrastructure. The ability to maintain performance over long distances and in varied conditions is crucial for broader adoption, particularly in developing markets where roads are often rugged, and charging points scarce.
The Roam Air will now become part of Stellenbosch University’s Electric Mobility Lab, where researchers will continue to study its battery performance and durability. The ongoing research aims to refine the technology, potentially leading to breakthroughs that extend battery life and efficiency even further.
While the journey highlighted the immense potential of electric motorcycles, it also underscored the need for continued innovation. Researchers observed that factors like terrain, temperature, and payload have a significant impact on battery performance, reinforcing the importance of adapting electric vehicle technology to different environments.
As the global push to reduce carbon emissions intensifies, the Roam Air’s solar-powered trek offers a promising glimpse into a future where long-distance, zero-emission travel is not only possible but practical, even in the most challenging environments. For Africa and the world, it represents a major step toward a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future.