Are There Electric Cars in Nairobi?
Yes — electric cars in Nairobi are no longer a rarity . As awareness of climate change grows and fuel prices continue to rise, more residents and businesses in Nairobi are turning to electric vehicles (EVs) as a cleaner, more cost-effective alternative to traditional petrol and diesel cars.
From private imports and dealerships to startups building electric buses and motorcycles , Nairobi is at the heart of Kenya’s EV revolution.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- 🚗 Which electric car models are available in Nairobi
- 💵 Their estimated prices
- 📍 Where to buy or import them
- ⚡ How and where to charge your EV
- 🏢 Who the top EV companies and dealers are in Nairobi
Let’s dive in!
📌 Quick Summary: Top Electric Cars Available in Nairobi (2025)
| Model | Type | Battery Range | Estimated Price (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Leaf | BEV | 150–240 km | 1.8M – 3.5M |
| Chery eQ7 | BEV | 350–400 km | 3.8M – 5M |
| BYD Dolphin | BEV | 400–430 km | 4M – 5M |
| Toyota Prius Prime | PHEV | 40 km (EV mode) | 3M – 4M |
| Hyundai Kona Electric | BEV | 300–480 km | 4.5M – 7M |
| BMW i3 | BEV | 240–300 km | 4M – 6M |
| Tesla Model 3 / Y | BEV | 400–550 km | 6M – 10M+ |
🏆 Best Electric Car Models Available in Nairobi
1. Nissan Leaf – Affordable Entry-Level EV
The Nissan Leaf remains one of the most budget-friendly and widely available electric cars in Nairobi.
🔋 Range: ~150–240 km
⚡ Charging: Level 2 home charger or public stations
💰 Estimated Price:
- Used: KES 1.8M – 2.5M
- New (imported): KES 3.5M+
2. Chery eQ7 – Budget-Friendly Chinese SUV
The Chery eQ7 offers modern design and decent performance at a relatively low price for electric Cars in Nairobi.
🔋 Range: ~350–400 km
⚡ Charging: Fast-charging capable
💰 Estimated Price:
- Used imports: KES 3.8M – 4.5M
- New: KES 5M+
3. BYD Dolphin – Stylish & Modern EV
The BYD Dolphin offers a fresh look and modern tech at an accessible price point compared to other electric cars in Nairobi
🔋 Range: ~400–430 km
⚡ Charging: Fast-charging capable
💰 Estimated Price:
- Imported used: KES 4M – 4.5M
- New: KES 5M+
4. Toyota Prius Prime – Plug-in Hybrid Option
The Toyota Prius Prime isn’t fully electric but gives drivers flexibility between electric and petrol power.
🔋 Electric Range: ~40 km
⚡ Charging: Home plug-in
💰 Estimated Price:
- Used: KES 3M – 3.5M
- New: Not commonly sold new
5. Hyundai Kona Electric – Long-Range EV
For those looking for more driving range and modern tech, the Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the best EVs available in Nairobi.
🔋 Range: ~300–480 km
⚡ Charging: Fast DC charging
💰 Estimated Price:
- Used: KES 4.5M – 5.5M
- New: KES 6.5M – 7M+
6. BMW i3 – Premium Electric Hatchback
The BMW i3 offers luxury, performance, and eco-friendliness — making it a favorite among affluent Nairobi EV owners.
🔋 Range: ~240–300 km
⚡ Charging: Standard and fast charging options
💰 Estimated Price:
- Used: KES 4M – 5M
- New: KES 6M+
7. Tesla Model 3 / Model Y – High-End EVs
Though rare and expensive, Tesla Model 3 and Model Y units are starting to appear in Nairobi via private imports.
🔋 Range: ~400–550 km
⚡ Charging: Supercharging (not available locally yet)
💰 Estimated Price:
- Imported used: KES 6M – 8M
- New: KES 9M+
🛒 Where to Buy Electric Cars in Nairobi
Here are some of the top places to buy electric cars in Nairobi:
📍 1. Green Energy Vehicle Solutions (GEVS)
Specializes in importing and selling electric cars, buses, and commercial vehicles.
📍 Nairobi
📞 +254 700 000 000
🌐 www.gevskenya.com
📍 2. Private Importers & Used Car Dealers
Many used EVs come through private importers from the UAE, Japan, and China.
🔎 Platforms to search:
- Jiji.co.ke
- OLX Kenya
- Facebook Marketplace
- Mobile Classifieds
📍 3. Direct Imports via Dubai or China
Some buyers opt to order directly from manufacturers and arrange shipping through logistics companies based in Dubai or South Africa.
💸 Tips for Buying an Electric Car in Nairobi
Buying an electric car can be a big investment. Here are some tips:
- Check Battery Health : Degraded batteries can reduce range and may need replacement.
- Verify Mileage & Usage : Look for well-maintained cars with reasonable usage.
- Ask for Service History : Find out if the car has been regularly maintained.
- Understand Import Duties : Even though EVs have tax exemptions, customs clearance can be complex.
- Test Drive if Possible : Some dealers offer demo rides or test drives.
⚡ Charging Your Electric Car in Nairobi
Most electric cars use standard CCS or Type 2 charging ports. In Nairobi:
🔌 Home Charging
Most owners install a Level 1 or Level 2 wall charger at home.
⚡ Public Charging Stations in Nairobi (2025)
There are approximately 30 public EV charging points in Nairobi, located in:
- Westlands
- Kilimani
- Upper Hill
- Lavington
- Karen
Companies Operating Public Chargers:
- ChargeUp Kenya
- Roam
- Kenya Power (pilot programs)
🚨 Challenges Facing Electric Cars in Nairobi
Despite growing interest, several challenges remain:
| Challenge | Explanation |
|---|---|
| High Initial Cost | EVs are often more expensive than traditional cars |
| Limited After-Sales Service | Few trained technicians and limited spare parts |
| Inconsistent Power Supply | Makes home charging unreliable |
| Low Awareness | Many consumers don’t know about EV technology |
🚀 The Future of Electric Cars in Nairobi
With rising fuel prices, increasing environmental awareness, and growing investment in renewable energy, the demand for electric cars in Nairobi is expected to rise sharply over the next few years.
We may soon see:
- More local dealerships
- Expansion of public charging networks
- Entry of more affordable Chinese EV brands like Neta, Wuling, and Haval
- Local assembly plants for electric cars
✅ Conclusion: Yes, Electric Cars Are Now Available in Nairobi
If you’re looking to join the electric revolution in Nairobi, the Nissan Leaf , Chery eQ7 , BYD Dolphin , and Toyota Prius Prime are great starting points depending on your budget and needs.
As the market grows and infrastructure improves, owning an electric car in Nairobi will become more accessible and practical for everyday drivers.