What is the IZI Project?
IZI is shaking up sustainable transport in Africa, aiming to speed up the shift to cleaner, greener ways of moving people and goods. Africa’s cities are booming, and with that growth comes a massive challenge: how to meet rising transport demands without wrecking the environment or breaking the bank on fuel. Many public transport vehicles are old—like, over 20 years old—and they’re major culprits behind pollution and nearly 40% of the continent’s greenhouse gas emissions. But here’s the kicker: Africa is packed with renewable energy resources, and electricity is way cheaper here than in developed countries. That means electric vehicles aren’t just a dream—they’re a smart, affordable reality. IZI’s mission? To transform urban transport and logistics across Africa by making electric mobility accessible, efficient, and eco-friendly.
The Main Benefits of IZI’s Approach
IZI’s impact so far tells a powerful story. Check out these key figures:
- 301,519 fully electric kilometers driven
- 105,532 litres of diesel saved
- 811,086 passengers carried
- 267 tonnes of CO2 mitigated
These numbers aren’t just stats—they’re proof that switching to electric transport can seriously cut costs and emissions, while moving more people efficiently.
IZI’s Leasing Product: E-Mobility-as-a-Service
One of the coolest things about IZI is their leasing model, called ‘E-Mobility-As-A-Service.’ It’s a full-service leasing package that lets transport operators go electric without coughing up a big upfront investment. Instead, they pay a low fee per kilometer or share revenue. This package isn’t just about vehicles—it includes charging infrastructure, maintenance, insurance, and fleet management. Plus, it’s flexible and proven: in Rwanda, the model boasts a 94% uptime and delivers up to 40% savings compared to diesel. So, whether a fleet is big or small, electrification is suddenly within reach.
Custom-Designed Electric Buses and Coaches
IZI doesn’t do one-size-fits-all. Their electric buses and coaches are tailor-made for Africa’s unique conditions. Think marine-grade corrosion protection to handle tough environments, advanced stability controls for safety, and designs built to tackle challenging topographies. The batteries? They come with a 10-year, 1 million-kilometer warranty, backed by local maintenance support from the IZI Battery Lab. This means operators enjoy drastically reduced operating costs and improved profitability—all while helping clean up the environment.
The Technology Behind IZI: The IZI Connect Platform
IZI’s tech game is strong. Drawing on experience managing over 9,000 EVs in 10 Chinese cities, the IZI Connect platform is built to optimize fleet operations. It offers real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and route optimization to keep things running smoothly. Plus, tools like battery health monitoring and performance analytics help extend battery life and boost efficiency. This means operators can make smart, data-driven decisions that save money and improve service—pretty neat, right?
IZI’s Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The IZI Battery Lab: Powering Africa’s EV Future
At the heart of IZI’s ecosystem is the Battery Lab—Sub-Saharan Africa’s first manufacturer-agnostic battery facility. This lab is a game changer, offering advanced diagnostics, testing, and maintenance to keep vehicles on the road longer and running better. By ensuring maximum uptime and battery lifespan, the Battery Lab boosts customer confidence and opens doors to new financing options. It’s a crucial piece of the puzzle for building a sustainable, thriving electric vehicle market across Africa.
