Bee Group is investing $1 million to introduce Tembo electric motorcycles in Cameroon, launching a pilot project in July 2025 with 40 motorcycles across four cities. This initiative aims to reduce transport costs for drivers and pollution in urban areas, backed by supportive government measures. Expansion plans to other African countries are also on the horizon, promoting sustainability and job creation.
Bee Group, a company focused on urban mobility and freight transportation, is collaborating with Chinese manufacturer Tembo Electronical Technology to launch an electric mobility initiative in Cameroon. With a financial commitment of $1 million (approximately CFA610 million), the pilot phase will commence in July 2025, featuring the deployment of 40 electric motorcycles and their associated charging stations.
Beginning in June 2025, the rollout will include 40 electric motorcycles, each outfitted with four batteries, distributed evenly in Douala, Yaoundé, Bertoua, and Bafoussam with 10 motorcycles per city. Patrick Timani, CEO and co-founder of Bee Group, stated, “Each motorcycle, priced at around CFA600,000, will have two batteries in use while the other two recharge in stations set up at TotalEnergies and Ola Energy locations.” Each charging station is designed to accommodate 12 batteries to ensure an uninterrupted energy supply.
Following the pilot phase, Bee Group intends to import an additional 100 motorcycles and aims for local production to commence by 2026. Timani emphasized, “We want to create local jobs, lower import costs, and transfer technology to Cameroon.” The initiative has the support of 3S Motors, TotalEnergies, and the Cameroonian government, with new regulations exempting electric vehicles from excise duty and providing a 50% tax reduction on motorcycles and related infrastructure for two years.
Transitioning from fuel-powered mototaxis to electric alternatives offers significant savings for drivers, as conventional mototaxi drivers currently spend about CFA6,000 daily on fuel, utilizing approximately 8.4 liters of gasoline. By employing electric motorcycles, this expenditure could reduce to CFA1,600 per day, resulting in a daily savings of CFA4,400, or CFA114,400 for 26 working days monthly.
Moreover, maintenance expenses will be diminished since electric motorcycles do not possess combustion engines, eliminating monthly oil change costs ranging from CFA8,000 to CFA12,000. This initiative not only aims to lower transport fares for passengers but also to decrease pollution levels. Given that mototaxis constitute 61% of all trips in Douala, Bee Group is committed to facilitating a more sustainable approach to urban mobility.
Subsequent to the launch in Cameroon, Bee Group plans to extend its initiative to other African nations, fostering innovation while prioritizing job creation and environmental responsibility.
Bee Group’s initiative to introduce electric motorcycles in Cameroon represents a significant step towards sustainable urban mobility and economic development. The project, backed by strategic partnerships and supportive government policies, promises substantial financial savings for drivers while reducing environmental impact. The subsequent expansion into other African countries underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and job creation, enabling a shift towards cleaner transportation solutions.
Original Source: www.businessincameroon.com
