Kenya’s electric vehicle (EV) market just got a new heavyweight competitor. Chinese EV giant BYD officially launched three of its top-selling electric cars—Dolphin, Seal, and Atto 3—in the country on Wednesday. The launch, held at the Toyota-CFAO Mobility Kenya Limited showroom, marks a significant step toward Kenya’s green energy goals as the country seeks to reduce its carbon emissions and modernize its transport sector.
The vehicles will be sold exclusively through Loxea, a division of CFAO Mobility, which already handles popular gasoline-powered brands like Toyota. This new partnership positions Loxea as the sole distributor of BYD EVs in Kenya, with options for both leasing and purchasing available to consumers.
Driving Kenya’s Green Transition
At the launch event, Loxea Kenya Managing Director Jennifer Kinyoe highlighted the importance of the partnership in helping Kenya transition to cleaner energy. “BYD’s presence in Kenya signifies our commitment to supporting the country’s green transition and modernizing the transportation landscape,” Kinyoe remarked, adding that electric vehicles will play a vital role in reducing Kenya’s reliance on fossil fuels.
Kenya has set ambitious targets to reduce its carbon emissions by 32% by 2030, and the introduction of affordable electric vehicles is seen as a key strategy to achieve this. With the high cost of fuel imports straining the economy, EVs are quickly gaining interest among local consumers.
BYD’s Flagship Models on Display
The event showcased BYD’s flagship models: the Atto 3, an electric SUV; the Seal, a sleek sedan; and the Dolphin, a compact hatchback designed for city driving. The Atto 3 SUV was a standout at the event, combining affordability, cutting-edge technology, and environmental sustainability. These models cater to a variety of customer needs, from family-oriented SUVs to affordable compact cars.
BYD is best known for its budget-friendly EVs, such as the Seagull, which retails for under $10,000 in China. However, the brand is rapidly expanding its portfolio to include high-end models, electric supercars, and even pickup trucks.
Global Expansion for BYD
BYD’s entry into Kenya is part of its broader global expansion strategy, which has seen the company make significant strides in Europe, South America, Southeast Asia, and other parts of Africa. The company has experienced explosive growth in recent years, with its global EV sales surpassing one million units in 2024 alone. In fact, BYD now ranks ahead of established brands like Honda and Nissan in global sales, with ambitions to challenge industry leaders such as Ford.
To support its international growth, BYD recently launched its second 7,000-car carrier, part of a fleet expansion designed to meet increasing global demand. The company also has plans for local production in emerging markets, including Turkey, Brazil, Pakistan, Thailand, and Mexico, which will further strengthen its position in the automotive industry.
Kenya’s Future in EVs
With BYD’s introduction to the Kenyan market, the future of electric mobility in the country looks promising. The availability of cost-effective EV options could accelerate the adoption of green vehicles and help Kenya reach its environmental targets. The partnership with Loxea ensures that Kenyans will have access to BYD’s range of electric cars, supported by a reliable network of sales and services.
As global demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, Kenya’s embrace of BYD could set a precedent for further international investments in clean energy technology within the region.
BYD’s entry into Kenya is more than just a launch; it signals the country’s growing importance in the global EV revolution. With BYD’s rapid global expansion and Kenya’s push for green energy, this partnership could be the spark that ignites widespread electric vehicle adoption in East Africa.
