The Genesis of Also’s Kenyan Pilot
Also, the micromobility spinout of Rivian, announced a bold initiative in early 2026 to pilot a locally integrated electric two‑wheeler in Kenya. The project, funded by a grant from the Shell Foundation, was positioned as a testbed for modular battery designs, distributed charging infrastructure, and a purpose‑built motorcycle tailored to African riders. The Shell Foundation’s brief, now removed from its website, framed the effort as a way to “enable and de‑risk global OEM entry into Africa’s EV market by piloting a locally integrated electric two‑wheeler platform in Kenya, with potential to scale across East Africa.”
The initiative was part of a broader trend: African cities are experiencing a surge in electric motorcycle adoption, with companies like Spiro reporting over 130,000 units across seven countries and 2,500 battery‑swapping stations. Chinese mobility firms and venture capitalists are pouring resources into this space, attracted by the continent’s massive two‑wheeler market and the potential for rapid scaling.
Technical Ambitions and Design Goals
At its core, the Kenyan pilot aimed to validate several technical pillars:
- Modular Battery Architecture: Batteries that could be swapped or recharged across a distributed network, reducing downtime for riders.
- Localized Manufacturing: Leveraging local supply chains to reduce cost and improve serviceability.
- Purpose‑Built Chassis: A lightweight, robust frame designed for the rough terrain and high‑temperature conditions typical of East African roads.
- Software Stack: An embedded system capable of real‑time diagnostics, OTA updates, and secure communication with a central fleet management platform.
The design team also considered the integration of NFC‑based charging, a technology that has gained traction in other regions for its ease of use. The link between NFC and EV charging is explored in depth in the article Why You Can Skip The $59 Brick With Free NFC Apps ([https://ltdeveloperblogs.github.io/posts/you-dont-need-to-pay-for-distraction-blocking-software(https://ltdeveloperblogs.github.io/posts/you-dont-need-to-pay-for-distraction-blocking-software)), which highlights how NFC can streamline the charging experience for consumers.
Security was another critical focus. The embedded software had to guard against tampering and ensure safe operation. The Mac Antivirus Intego One article ([https://ltdeveloperblogs.github.io/posts/your-mac-isnt-immune-to-viruses-surveillance-tools-intego-one-is-here-to-help(https://ltdeveloperblogs.github.io/posts/your-mac-isnt-immune-to-viruses-surveillance-tools-intego-one-is-here-to-help)) underscores the importance of robust security in connected devices, a principle that applies equally to electric motorcycles.
Why the Project Walked Away
Despite the ambitious roadmap, Also announced in a September email that it had “explored this project” with an unnamed partner but ultimately “decided to focus on its core roadmap” after completing only “some early‑stage work.” The decision was driven by several intertwined factors:
- Resource Allocation: The company’s core focus shifted toward developing small autonomous vehicles, a priority that demanded significant engineering bandwidth and capital.
- Market Readiness: While the African two‑wheeler market is large, the infrastructure for widespread battery swapping and charging remains uneven, raising uncertainty about the pilot’s commercial viability.
- Regulatory Hurdles: Kenya’s regulatory framework for electric vehicles is still evolving, and aligning the pilot with local safety and emissions standards proved more complex than anticipated.
- Strategic Partnerships: The unnamed partner’s commitment waned as the project progressed, limiting the potential for shared risk and investment.
The Shell Foundation, bound by a nondisclosure agreement, declined to provide further details on the pilot’s outcomes. The grant funding, however, was earmarked to “support its ongoing development,” suggesting that the knowledge gained would inform future endeavors.
Industry Impact and Market Dynamics
The withdrawal of Also’s pilot has ripple effects across several sectors:
- Supply Chain Dynamics: Local manufacturers that had begun sourcing components for the pilot may need to pivot to other projects, affecting the nascent ecosystem of African EV suppliers.
- Investor Sentiment: Venture capitalists monitoring micromobility in Africa may reassess risk profiles, potentially slowing capital flow into similar initiatives.
- Competitive Landscape: Established players like Spiro and emerging Chinese firms may gain a competitive edge by filling the void left by Also’s exit.
- Policy Advocacy: The pilot’s cancellation could galvanize policymakers to accelerate regulatory frameworks that support EV adoption, recognizing the challenges faced by private ventures.
The broader narrative aligns with the themes explored in CrowdStrike buys AI‑Security firms for $495M total ([https://ltdeveloperblogs.github.io/posts/crowdstrike-to-shell-out-nearly-500m-for-2-ai-security-startups-as-the-market-for-securing-agents-takes-off(https://ltdeveloperblogs.github.io/posts/crowdstrike-to-shell-out-nearly-500m-for-2-ai-security-startups-as-the-market-for-securing-agents-takes-off)), which discusses how security concerns can shape investment decisions in high‑tech sectors. In the case of Also, security and regulatory uncertainties likely weighed heavily in the decision to reallocate resources.
Lessons for Future Micromobility Ventures
Several takeaways emerge for companies contemplating similar pilots:
- Align Technical Ambitions with Market Readiness: A cutting‑edge product must be matched with an ecosystem that can support it. Without robust charging infrastructure, even the best‑designed motorcycle may struggle to find users.
- Prioritize Flexibility in Partnerships: Engaging multiple stakeholders—manufacturers, local governments, and technology providers—can mitigate the risk of a single partner’s withdrawal.
- Secure a Clear Regulatory Pathway: Early engagement with regulatory bodies can uncover potential roadblocks and enable proactive compliance strategies.
- Balance Innovation with Core Competencies: While diversification can open new revenue streams, it can also dilute focus. Companies should ensure that new initiatives do not cannibalize resources from proven core products.
The Kenyan pilot’s story underscores the importance of a holistic approach that blends technical excellence, market strategy, and regulatory foresight.
FAQ
Q: Why did the Shell Foundation remove the project details from its website?
A: The removal coincides with a nondisclosure agreement that restricts the sharing of specifics about the pilot’s outcomes.
Q: Will Also revisit the Kenyan market in the future?
A: The company has indicated that the grant funding will “follow the project to support its ongoing development,” suggesting potential future engagement.
Q: How does this affect the broader African EV ecosystem?
A: It highlights the challenges of scaling EV solutions in emerging markets, particularly around infrastructure and regulatory alignment.
Q: Are there alternative funding sources for micromobility pilots in Africa?
A: Yes, organizations like the World Bank, African Development Bank, and private foundations continue to support EV initiatives, though each has its own criteria and focus areas.
Q: What can local manufacturers learn from this case?
A: They should diversify their client base and maintain flexibility to pivot quickly if a partner’s priorities shift.
Source: Original Article