Solar Taxi To Begin Designing Its EV Batteries
May 19, 2021, 12:57 a.m.
There has never been a better time than now for Ghanaians to switch to electric vehicles(EV) owing to the recent increment in fuel prices. Apart from costing less, EVs are improving public health and reducing ecological damage, are cheaper to maintain, fast and easy to charge, and in a few years to come, will become the primary mode of transportation in Ghana.
Somewhere in Kumasi, a startup called Solar Taxi, primarily made up of women has already begun changing the narrative in the ecosystem by providing cheaper and cleaner transportation. Our recent interview with the startup’s head of engineering, Christopher Amewuho, shows that the startup is designing its EV batteries, the first kind in the country.
He mentioned the company formerly imported car parts and batteries and now wishes to be at the forefront of the design process. They are aiming to localize the designs that will create sustainability. He shares that importation costs, battery chemistry, and the weight of old batteries influenced the decision to make new batteries.
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He explains the company worked with lead-acid batteries, which proved slow because of its low energy density and heavyweight. Now, they are leading the design of new battery cells called the lithium-ion battery. Compared to the old acid-led batteries, the lithium-ion battery has the best energy-to-weight ratios, high open-circuit voltage, low self-discharge rate, no memory effect, and a slow loss of charge when not in use.
Founded in 2018, the EV startup designs, assembles, maintains, and leases solar-powered electric motorcycles, tricycles, and cars.
They have currently employed over 65 young people, with 60% being women. The startup has assembled 150 bikes, deployed over 20 electric cars to the market, and installed over 15 charging stations across the country.
Last month, Jorge Appiah, the CEO, mentioned on Twitter that the company had obtained a pre-profit evaluation of $9.5 million, a never-before achievement for a young startup in Ghana.
With a proven business model and growing revenue from last year, the company is set for scaling across targeted markets.
The startup is positioning to consolidate its market leadership in Ghana and optimize its value chains through local manufacturing of all vehicles.
Since operations, Solar Taxi has covered about 350,000km and saved 260 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
tag: Solar Energy, Electric Cars, Startup, electric motor, Transportation, solar taxi, Women Empowerment,
Verny Joy Author
Verny loves to write poetry, fiction and quotes. Her love for writing landed her in journalism. She loves gadgets and travelling to explore new places.