IZI, an e-Mobility Company in Rwanda, has Launched the Impala E30, Africa's First Electric Coaster Bus

Rwanda’s IZI Electric has just launched something game-changing: the Impala E30, Africa’s first electric coaster bus built from the ground up for the continent’s tough roads and climate. This isn’t just another electric vehicle, it’s a homegrown solution designed to tackle Africa’s transport challenges while slashing costs and pollution.

Imagine a bus that costs a fraction to run compared to diesel models. The Impala E30 does exactly that. While a typical diesel bus guzzles $64 worth of fuel for a 200km trip, this electric wonder uses just $8 in electricity for the same distance. Over ten years, that adds up to over $200,000 in savings per bus, money that can go back into drivers’ pockets or better services for passengers.

What really sets this bus apart? A warranty that actually makes sense for African operators. While most electric buses come with 4-year warranties, IZI’s newly launched Impala E30 is backed by a 10-year or one-million-kilometer guarantee. “This changes everything,” says Alex Wilson, IZI’s CEO. “Operators and banks can finally trust electric buses to last, which means more people can afford to make the switch.”

But this isn’t just about saving money. IZI built the Impala E30 to survive Africa’s diverse landscapes. Coastal salt? It’s got anti-corrosion armor. Tropical downpours? Waterproofing that could survive a monsoon. Bumpy dirt roads? A suspension system that keeps the ride smooth. Even the battery has a special cooling system to handle scorching heat.

Here’s the smart part: every bus comes with a digital co-pilot. IZI Connect, the company’s fleet management system, gives operators real-time updates on everything from battery life to driver habits. It can predict maintenance needs before parts fail and suggest the most energy-efficient routes. “It’s like having a mechanic and a financial advisor built into every bus,” Wilson explains.

The Impala E30 targets Africa’s workhorse, the diesel Coaster bus. With over 100,000 of these vehicles moving people across the continent daily, the potential impact is staggering. Replace half of them with electric models, and Africa could save $1 billion yearly in fuel costs while cutting 2.7 million tonnes of annual carbon emissions.

IZI’s already making waves. Since 2023, their electric vehicles have prevented 195 tonnes of CO2 emissions, equivalent to planting 4,500 trees, and saved 77,000 liters of diesel. With 50 Impala E30s already ordered and plans to expand across Africa, this Rwandan company is proving electric transport isn’t just for wealthy nations.

As African countries like Ethiopia and Kenya generate over 80% of their power from clean sources, the Impala E30 arrives at the perfect time. It’s not just a bus, it’s a rolling symbol of Africa’s green energy future, built by Africans, for Africans. And with prices 10-40% lower than imported electric buses, it might just be the vehicle that finally electrifies the continent’s roads.

The message is clear: Africa’s transport revolution isn’t coming someday, it’s hitting the road this June in Rwanda, one electric bus at a time.

Was this information useful? Drop a nice comment below. You can also check out other useful contents by following us on X/Twitter @siliconafritech, Instagram @Siliconafricatech, or Facebook @SiliconAfrica.