SUN Mobility, Vivo Energy launch battery-swapping network in Kenya

The initiative introduces 35 battery-swapping stations in Nairobi and Mombasa, with plans to leverage Vivo Energy’s extensive African service station network to support EV adoption.

SUN Mobility has launched a battery-swapping network in Kenya in partnership with Vivo Energy, marking the Indian electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure company’s first step into Africa and laying the groundwork for a broader regional expansion.

The network currently comprises 35 battery-swapping stations across Nairobi and Mombasa and is designed to serve a range of EVs, including motorcycles, scooters, passenger tuk-tuks and cargo three-wheelers.

Unlike proprietary charging ecosystems tied to a single vehicle brand, SUN Mobility’s platform operates as a shared network that supports vehicles from multiple manufacturers, as reported by Kenya Wall Street. Riders can exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones within minutes, avoiding the downtime associated with conventional charging.

According to SUN Mobility, the model is particularly suited to commercial users who travel long distances each day. The rollout also expands Vivo Energy’s presence in the e-mobility sector. The company, which operates Shell and Engen-branded service stations across Africa, plans to extend the partnership throughout its network of more than 4,200 stations in 29 countries.

The partnership offers Vivo Energy an opportunity to integrate EV services into existing forecourts while leveraging its established retail infrastructure and customer base across the continent.