Abri Motors Signs Deal to Convert Fuel Powered Bajaj Vehicles to Electric
Abri Motors has signed a cooperation agreement with Jingshan Mining and Supply Chain Technology PLC to convert fuel powered Bajaj vehicles into electric ones, marking a new step in Ethiopia’s transition toward electric mobility and lower fuel dependence.
The Ethiopian company, known for importing and locally assembling electric vehicles, said the partnership aims to accelerate the conversion of existing three wheelers currently operating across the country. The initiative comes as Ethiopia promotes electric mobility to reduce foreign currency spending on fuel and support environmental sustainability.
Recent government directives encourage the import of electric vehicles and the conversion of fuel powered vehicles already in operation. The agreement between the two companies is designed to support this national policy and contribute to Ethiopia’s broader green development agenda.
Abrehet Ayele, CEO of Abri Business Group, said studies indicate that a single Bajaj operator spends up to 24,000 Ethiopian birr per month on fuel. She noted that converting to electric technology could reduce operating costs by more than half.
According to her, Abri Motors will introduce battery technology that allows operators to either rent batteries or purchase them outright. The estimated monthly cost for battery usage is around 10,000 birr, significantly lowering operating expenses for drivers.
Ding Wan You explained that drivers using the rental system will have access to two batteries per day. Since one battery takes about four hours to charge, drivers can continue operating with a second battery while the first is being recharged.
This battery swapping approach is expected to minimize downtime and allow operators to maximize working hours, improving productivity and income potential.
Abri Motors has been expanding its role in Ethiopia’s electric mobility sector by introducing vehicle conversion technologies, importing electric vehicles, and assembling them locally. The company also provides financing options aimed at making electric vehicles more accessible to transport operators and small business owners.
Industry observers say the agreement reflects growing momentum in Ethiopia’s electric transport transition, particularly in the three wheeler segment, which plays a key role in urban and semi urban mobility.
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