Africa-Press – Rwanda. Electric vehicles (EVs) are slowly making their mark on Rwanda’s automotive market, with affordability and efficiency driving the trends in uptake.
According to James Claude Ndayishimiye, a sales manager at Carcarbaba, an official dealer of Dongfeng Motor, EVs are still new products in Rwanda, and both dealers and consumers are learning about the benefits of green energy.
“Although the demand is still low, we are projecting to sell between 50 to 60 units per year, but it will keep on growing as people understand. Chinese brands are overtaking the EVs market, mostly Dongfeng and BYD,” Ndayishimiye said.
He added that most customers are interested in sedans and mid-sized SUVs, which at Carcarbaba range between Rwf35 million and Rwf50 million depending on the make, size, technology, and quality of the vehicle.
Ndayishimiye noted that the main reason consumers choose EVs is the significant reduction in fuel expenses and overall affordability.
“Most customers opt for mid-sized SUVs because Rwanda is mountainous, and some roads are still challenging; they prefer SUVs with a driving range above 500 km, which we exclusively sell at Carcarbaba,” he explained.
Ndayishimiye emphasized that consumer education on this new technology is key.
“With time, people will understand the benefits. Practically, an EV cuts around 83- 85% of consumption compared to a fuel car. Fuel cars also include taxes, so all factors favor EVs,” he said.
He highlighted the need for infrastructure to encourage uptaka of EVs, such as more charging stations.
Akagera Motors, which initially focused on Toyota vehicles, has also entered the EV market, offering models from Foton, Kia, and BAIC.
Alexis Habimana, a sales manager at Akagera Motors, said the cheapest EV a typical Rwandan can afford is around Rwf65 million.
“Those with moderate means are buying BAIC and FOTON for commercial purposes, while high-income buyers prefer Kia. Over the past year, we sold 12 EVs, including 10 affordable models and two premium ones,” Habimana said.
He explained that customer choices between EVs and fuel-powered cars often depend on the intended use or personal preference.
However, South Korean automakers like Kia and Hyundai are increasingly becoming popular for their stylish and affordable EV models.
Lisa Denise Karangwa of Kabisa, a Rwandan e-mobility company, highlighted some of the most affordable and versatile EV options.
“The cheapest is the 2025 Geely Starwish at Rwf24 million, with a four-year warranty on battery, and electronics, free lifetime vehicle checkups, owner’s discount on the charging network, complimentary level 1 charger, and statutory emergency equipment,” Karangwa said.
She added that Kabisa also offers the Radar RD6, an all-electric pickup with 2WD, a 200 kW motor, 520 km range, and 1,200-liter cargo bed, ideal for urban and off-road use, priced at Rwf 66 million.
“We also sell 2025 BYD Song Plus Premium SUV available for Rwf46 million, offering impressive electric-only range, a spacious interior, and an advanced hybrid system for smooth daily commutes. Other models include the 2025 Geely Galaxy E5 at Rwf 49 million,” she added.
A Chinese exporter based in Guangzhou, who has a market in the Great Lakes Regions, reports that the most affordable EV available is the BYD Qin EV 450, priced Rwf11.5-12.5 million, depending on condition.
“This car is nearly new, with around 30,000 km on its belt and shipping costs vary with market conditions,” the exporter identified as Nikita.
She said some clients order multiple vehicles at once to reduce shipping costs, noting that a 40-feet container costing around Rwf7.2 million can hold four sedans or three SUVs.
Locally, vehicles like the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 2023, a compact SUV with modern styling, are available for Rwf 19 million.
The larger Chery Tiggo 8 Pro 2023, with a 1.6-litre TGDI turbo-petrol engine, front-wheel drive, and a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, is priced at Rwf45 million.
Both models offer ample space, strong performance, and practical features for urban and rural driving.
Peter Nsabimana, a broker of used cars based in Gasabo District, noted that EVs can be imported from China for as low as Rwf7 million, arriving in Kigali for around Rwf8.5-9 million.
Comparatively, a Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 (2016) costs Rwf 9 million, while a Toyota Auris EV (2013) from Europe is priced at Rwf 11 million.
Across Europe, more than 2 million cars are listed on AutoScout24, with 128,278 fully electric vehicles, including 30,688 sedans and 88,764 SUVs.
In Korea, Japanese used car exporter Be Forward currently has 469,008 vehicles in stock, including 475 EVs such as the 2017 Toyota Prius S priced at Rwf 18 million.
Korean stock also includes 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe CM at Rwf 5 million and 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe 4WD at Rwf 8 million, alongside 166 KIA models, with the most affordable KIA All New Morning at Rwf 4 million.
Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) data shows that out of 7,172 hybrid and electric cars imported between 2020 and 2024, only 512, or slightly over 7%, were fully electric, while 6,660, or more than 92.8%, were hybrids.
Hybrid imports increased 237-fold between 2021 and 2024, from 28 units in 2021 to 6,660 in 2024, while EVs grew from 19 in 2020 to 512 in 2024.
Rwandan importers offer two main delivery options: Roll-on and Roll-off (RoRo) shipping, which is budget-friendly and fast, and container shipping, which provides protection from weather and debris but is slower and more expensive.
Delivery times vary, with locally stocked vehicles delivered within days, and imported cars taking several weeks to a month.
According to Serge Ndatimana, the operations manager at Garage Weikl, maintaining an EV requires care for the battery and electrical components, particularly during the rainy season.
“Driving an EV in Rwanda requires planning, especially outside Kigali, where roads can be rugged and hilly, consuming more energy,.” he said.
“Owners are advised to carry portable chargers and map backup charging options to avoid running out of power during trips. EVs’ responsive torque also provides better traction on slippery or uneven surfaces.”
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