Thinking about buying an electric car in Kenya? It’s a move that makes more sense now than ever before. Thanks to some smart government policies, a fast-growing network of charging stations, and a wider choice of affordable models, leaving petrol cars behind is becoming a reality for more and more Kenyans. This guide will show you exactly why the timing is perfect.

Kenya's Electric Car Revolution is Here

Kenya is really stepping up as a leader in electric mobility across East Africa. This isn't just talk; it's being driven by real, tangible changes that make owning an EV a practical and financially smart decision.

The government has rolled out the welcome mat for electric cars with policies designed to encourage adoption. This isn't just a fleeting trend—it's a deep-seated shift in how the country moves, and the numbers back it up.

What's Fuelling the EV Surge?

The buzz around EVs in Kenya is about more than just being eco-friendly. For most people, it comes down to the significant savings you can make.

• Slash Your Running Costs: Honestly, this is one of the biggest draws. Charging an EV costs 30–50% less than filling up a similar petrol car. And since much of Kenya's grid runs on renewables, you’re not just saving cash—you’re driving on clean, homegrown energy.
• Big Savings on Imports: The government has given EV buyers a massive leg up by dropping import duties to just 10%. That’s a huge saving compared to the taxes on conventional cars.
• No More "Range Anxiety": Worried about where to charge? That concern is quickly becoming a thing of the past. The number of public charging stations jumped from just 67 in 2023 to over 200 by early 2025. The plan is to have 10,000 of them across the country by 2030.

With charging points popping up everywhere and government policies making EVs more affordable, the old roadblocks to owning an electric car are disappearing. It’s simply a smart, practical choice for Kenyan drivers today.

The proof is in the data. By May 2025, Kenya had 9,047 registered electric vehicles on its roads—a massive 150% jump in sales from the year before. The momentum is undeniable.

Popular Models and Their Price Points

Getting your hands on an EV is also getting easier, especially as more models become available to import. Companies like EV24.africa are simplifying the whole journey, from finding the right car to getting it on the road. You can dive deeper into East Africa's EV trajectory and how Kenya is leading the charge.

To give you an idea of what’s out there, here’s a quick look at some of the popular models and what you can expect to pay for them.

Popular Electric Car Models and Prices in Kenya

This table gives you a quick reference for the starting prices of some of the most sought-after electric car models currently available for import into Kenya.

These prices show that there are options for various budgets, making the switch to electric a more attainable goal for many Kenyans.

Finding Your Ideal Electric Vehicle

Choosing the right electric car is less about picking a model you like the look of and more about finding one that genuinely fits your daily life. When you decide to buy an electric car in Kenya, platforms like EV24.africa give you access to a huge pool of vehicles from mature EV markets like Japan and the UK.

The best place to start is with an honest look at your driving habits. Are you mostly doing short city trips, like the school run or commuting into Westlands? Or are longer journeys a regular part of your life, maybe a weekend trip from Nairobi to Naivasha? Your answer here really is the key to finding the perfect match.

Decoding EV Specs for Kenyan Roads

Getting to grips with EV terminology can feel like learning a new language, but a few key terms are all you need to make a smart choice. These are the numbers that will directly impact your day-to-day driving experience.

Here’s what I always tell people to focus on:

• Battery Health (SOH): Think of this as the life left in the battery, shown as a percentage. For any used EV, you should be looking for a State of Health (SOH) of 85% or higher. Anything less, and you'll notice a drop in performance and range.
• WLTP Range: This is the official lab-tested estimate of how far the car can go on one charge. It's a good baseline, but always remember that your real-world range will likely be 15-20% less. Things like your driving style, the terrain, and even how much you use the air conditioning will affect it.
• DC Fast Charging: For anyone planning trips outside the city, this is a non-negotiable feature. It allows you to juice up your battery at a public station incredibly quickly, often adding over 100km of range in just 20-30 minutes. An EV without this is pretty much confined to city driving where you can charge overnight at home.

Before you get too attached to a particular car, it's absolutely vital to dig into its past. You can learn more about the importance of checking a vehicle's history to make sure you avoid any nasty surprises later on.

Matching the Car to Your Lifestyle

Let's look at how this plays out in a real-world Kenyan context. Imagine you're trying to decide between two popular models you can import.

Scenario A: The City Commuter
If your driving is almost entirely within Nairobi, a second-hand Nissan Leaf (40kWh) is a fantastic and very cost-effective option. Its official range of around 270 km (WLTP) is more than enough for several days of city driving before you need to plug it in at home.

Scenario B: The Weekend Adventurer
Now, if you frequently head out to other counties, a Hyundai Kona Electric (64kWh) makes a lot more sense. With a WLTP range of over 450 km, you could realistically drive from Nairobi to Mombasa with just one well-planned fast-charging stop. That bigger battery gives you the freedom to explore.

Key Takeaway: Don't get fixated on the price tag alone. The most important thing is to match the car’s battery size and charging capabilities to your actual, everyday driving needs. A bigger battery isn't always better if you're paying for extra range you'll never use.

Navigating EV Financing and Payment

Figuring out the finances for an imported EV can feel like a maze, but it’s actually getting much easier for Kenyans. The secret lies in understanding asset financing, which is tailored specifically for vehicles coming in from overseas. This isn't some niche option anymore; partners like M-KOPA and Watu are opening doors for more and more buyers.

Forget the old way of needing a car physically present for a loan. With an import, it’s all about pre-approval. You get the green light for funding before your chosen EV even sets sail from Japan or the UK. This gives you the power to buy an electric car in Kenya with confidence, knowing you don't have to stump up the full cost right away.

Getting Pre-Approved for Your EV

Your first real move in the financing game is getting pre-approved. It's the most important step. Lenders need a good look at your financial health to make sure the repayment plan is a comfortable fit for you.

To get the ball rolling, you’ll need to gather a few standard documents.

• Proof of Income: Have your latest six months of bank statements and payslips ready.
• Identification: A copy of your National ID and your KRA PIN are must-haves.
• A Solid Deposit: You'll need to put down a deposit, which is usually between 20% and 40% of the car's total price.

Having all this paperwork sorted out beforehand really speeds things up. It shows the finance company you’re organised and serious, which can make a huge difference. If you're looking to explore all the avenues, our guide on the 5 ways to finance your electric vehicle purchase in Africa is a great place to start.

Understanding the Payment Structure

Once your financing is pre-approved, the payment schedule is broken down into two simple stages that match the import timeline. This is a smart system that means you're not paying the full amount for a car that's still weeks away on the ocean.

First, you'll pay the initial deposit. This happens right after you've picked your car on EV24.africa and your financing is confirmed. This payment locks in your vehicle and kicks off the shipping process.

The final balance payment comes later. Once the car arrives at the Port of Mombasa and clears customs, the rest of the payment, covered by your financing, is settled.

This two-step process protects everyone involved. It secures the car for you while keeping your initial financial outlay to a minimum until it's actually in the country.

This rise in financing options is fuelling real market growth. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, Kenya's EV market sales jumped by 35% compared to the same period in 2024. Asset financing has been a major driver, making EV ownership a reality for thousands.

As you get closer to sealing the deal, it pays to understand exactly what you're signing. The fine print matters. It's always a good idea to brush up on essential tips for contract review for non-lawyers to ensure you're completely comfortable with the terms.

Getting Your EV Home: The Import and Customs Journey

So, you've picked out your perfect electric car and have the financing sorted. What happens next? This is where the car begins its trip from a showroom somewhere in the world to your driveway in Kenya. For a lot of first-time importers, this part—the shipping, the port, the customs—can feel a bit daunting.

But when you work with a specialist service like EV24.africa, that entire complex process is handled for you. It's less of a headache and more of a transparent, step-by-step journey.

The moment your purchase is finalised, the logistics kick into high gear. Your car is booked onto the next ship bound for the Port of Mombasa. You're not left wondering where it is; you'll get tracking information to follow its voyage. It's actually quite exciting watching your new car make its way across the ocean, and it gives you a solid idea of when to expect it.

Clearing Customs at the Port of Mombasa

The ship's arrival in Mombasa is the most critical part of the process. This is where having an experienced team on the ground really pays off. A dedicated clearing agent, arranged by us, takes over completely. They manage all the paperwork and deal directly with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) on your behalf.

This isn't just a matter of dropping off some forms. The clearing process involves several key steps:

• Submitting all import documents: This includes the bill of lading, pre-shipment inspection certificates, and everything else customs officials need.
• Passing the KEBS inspection: On arrival, the car is checked to ensure it complies with all Kenyan safety and roadworthiness standards.
• Calculating duties and taxes: The agent ensures the correct import duties are calculated based on the car's value, avoiding any costly errors.

Once your EV is here and ready to go, the actual process of keeping it charged is incredibly simple. This graphic breaks it down.

As you can see, it's really no different from refuelling a petrol car—you just plug in instead of pumping.

One of the biggest fears for anyone importing a car is getting hit with unexpected port fees or watching their car get stuck in customs for weeks. A managed service eliminates that completely. They have the right contacts and know the process inside out, which keeps things moving smoothly.

Here’s where importing an EV gets really attractive: the tax benefits. The Kenyan government is actively encouraging the shift to electric mobility by offering a significantly lower import duty. Fully electric cars are taxed at just 10%, a massive saving compared to the higher rates for petrol and diesel vehicles. This incentive alone makes a huge difference to the final price you pay.

Let's look at what the timeline generally looks like when you import with a service like EV24.africa.

EV Import Process Timeline with EV24.africa

Here’s a realistic breakdown of the timings involved, from the moment you click "buy" to the car arriving at your door. Keep in mind these are estimates, as shipping schedules can vary slightly.

This table gives you a clear picture of the journey, showing that the whole process is managed within a predictable timeframe.

The Final Stretch: From Port to Your Possession

Once your car has been officially cleared by all the authorities in Mombasa, it's ready for the last leg of its journey. Secure transport is arranged to bring the car from the port directly to your location, whether you’re in Nairobi, Kisumu, or anywhere else in Kenya.

This final delivery completes a process that, all in, typically takes between four to eight weeks from your initial purchase. The entire chain of events—shipping, customs clearance, and local delivery—is managed for you. To understand what's next, check out our detailed guide on the electric car registration rules in Kenya. All that's left for you to do is get ready to welcome your new electric car.

Getting Your EV Road-Ready in Kenya

So, your brand-new EV has finally cleared customs. Congratulations! This is where the real excitement begins—the final steps to get your car on the road and integrated into your daily life. Handled correctly, this last leg of the journey is surprisingly quick and straightforward.

First up is the official part: getting your car registered with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). This process is what makes the car legally yours and ready for Kenyan roads. The best part? You'll be issued the distinctive green number plates, a clear and proud signal that you're driving a fully electric vehicle.

Setting Up for Effortless Charging

The true magic of owning an EV is waking up every morning to a "full tank." To make this a reality, you'll need a solid home charging setup. While this technical guide to installing home EV chargers is a great starting point, remember that the specifics for Kenyan homes can vary.

The best move is to bring in a qualified electrician. They can check your home’s wiring and install a dedicated Level 2 charger, which lets you fully charge your car overnight. It’s no different from plugging in your smartphone before bed. Honestly, this is the single most important thing you can do after buying your EV to make ownership feel completely seamless.

What about those longer journeys? For trips beyond your daily commute, you’ll be using Kenya’s growing public charging network. Before you head out, download an app like PlugShare to see where the charging stations are located. A little bit of planning for a drive from Nairobi to Nakuru can completely eliminate any worries about your car's range.

Insurance and Maintenance Considerations

When it comes to insuring your EV, you need to think a bit differently than you would for a petrol car. It's really important to find an insurance provider who understands electric vehicles and offers a policy that specifically covers high-value components like the battery pack and charging equipment. Some companies are ahead of the curve here, so take the time to compare quotes and find a comprehensive plan.

Now for the good news: maintenance is almost a non-issue. Say goodbye to oil changes, spark plugs, and exhaust system check-ups.

Routine care is incredibly simple and mostly involves:

• Tyres: Just keeping them properly inflated and checking the tread depth.
• Brakes: EVs rely heavily on regenerative braking, which saves your brake pads, but they still need a quick inspection every now and then.
• Battery Health: An annual check-up is a good idea to monitor its condition, though modern EV batteries are built to last for hundreds of thousands of kilometres.

This radical simplicity is a game-changer. The total cost of ownership is significantly lower because you're not just saving on fuel—you're also skipping all those frequent and costly service appointments that come with a petrol or diesel engine.

The shift towards electric mobility in Kenya is happening fast. EV sales jumped by a massive 108% between 2022 and 2023, a clear sign that the market is embracing this change. This boom means that the entire support ecosystem, from specialist mechanics to knowledgeable insurers, is growing right alongside it. You can learn more about Kenya's booming EV market and its future prospects on automag.co.ke.

Your Top Questions About Buying an EV in Kenya, Answered

Thinking about buying an electric car in Kenya? It’s a big decision, and naturally, you’ve got questions. We hear them all the time from people just like you, so let's cut through the noise and get you some straight answers.

"How Long Until I Get My Car?"

This is always one of the first things people ask. Once you've picked out your perfect EV from a market like the UK or Japan and finalised the purchase, the clock starts ticking.

Realistically, you're looking at a timeline of 4 to 8 weeks for the whole process. That covers everything—shipping from the source country, navigating customs clearance here in Kenya, and getting it registered in your name. When you work with a service like EV24.africa, we keep you in the loop at every stage, so you're never left guessing where your car is.

"How Much Will I Actually Save on Fuel?"

Here’s where it gets really exciting. The savings on running costs are massive and a huge reason people make the switch. Forget those painful weekly trips to the petrol station.

Charging your EV at home will slash your "fuel" bill significantly. Most drivers find their electricity costs for running their car are 30-50% lower than what they used to spend on petrol. Better yet, since much of Kenya's power comes from renewables, plugging in overnight is not only cheap but also green. The government's e-mobility tariff is designed to make it even more affordable.

"Is It Hard to Find a Place to Charge?"

While you'll do most of your charging at home, the public charging network is essential for those longer road trips. The good news? It's growing—fast.

Kenya's public charging infrastructure is expanding at an incredible pace. We went from just 67 public chargers in 2023 to over 200 by early 2025. With a national goal of hitting 10,000 charging stations by 2030, the days of "range anxiety" are numbered. Key highways and city centres are already well-covered, making that trip from Nairobi to Mombasa a lot less stressful.

The biggest mental shift for new EV owners? Realising you leave home with a 'full tank' every morning. Public chargers aren't for daily use; they're for topping up on long journeys.

"What About Maintenance? Is It Complicated?"

This is one of the best-kept secrets of EV ownership: maintenance is a breeze. Electric cars are mechanically much simpler than petrol or diesel cars. They have far fewer moving parts.

Say goodbye to oil changes, spark plugs, fan belts, and exhaust systems. Your routine service visits will be quick and straightforward, usually just focusing on:

• Brake checks
• Tyre rotation and pressure
• Inspecting suspension components
• An occasional battery health check

This simplicity means fewer workshop visits and lower long-term costs, which just adds to the financial appeal of going electric.

Ready to find the right electric car for you? Take a look at our curated inventory of new and used EVs from top global markets at EV24.africa. We manage the entire journey for you, from sourcing and financing to shipping and local registration. Start your search at https://ev24.africa.

Article created using Outrank

⚡ Follow EV24 Africa on WhatsApp!

Be the first to know about EV deals, new models & electric mobility trends across Africa 📲🌍

Follow