INCREASING INCOMES
REDUCING EMISSIONS
Ampersand was founded to achieve a crucial tipping point in the fight against climate change: the world's first mass-market electric vehicle that costs less to acquire, maintain and operate than a fuel vehicle.
Years of work has gone into identifying the right market and designing the vehicle and business model hand in hand with our users to get the right fit.
We make the electric option the obvious choice for our customers by putting serious money back into the pockets of low-income drivers and their families.
In the process, we help propel the EV industry to scale and prove to the world that the fuel age is over and electric mobility is for everyone.
OUR CUSTOMER
Motorcycle taxis are an indispensable mode of transport across Africa. In cities choking on unplanned growth, moto-taxis effectively navigate congestion while transporting 100M people in East Africa alone every day.
In Rwanda, more than half of all vehicles on the road at any moment are motorcycle taxis. But these motorcycles are not cheap to own, the fuel they burn is expensive, and they produce serious amounts of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Many drivers - or ‘motars’ - spend over $11 daily on fuel and vehicle leasing costs, but take home as little as $1.60 to their families each day.
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Our research showed motar behaviour is driven by the goal of maximised earnings, as the income they generate can be used to support up to three people. This means they are dedicated to as much road time as possible, economising every litre of fuel and maintaining happy customers.
REDUCING EMISSIONS
Ampersand motorcycles are designed to outcompete the incumbent 125cc and 150cc petrol motorcycles on power, durability and performance.
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Our motorcycles cost less than petrol bikes to lease or buy and half as much to power. They produce 75% less lifecycle greenhouse emissions than petrol motorbikes using grid power, and over 98% less on renewables.
Battery packs are built to our own design and are assembled by our constantly expanding team locally in Rwanda.
MEET OUR CUSTOMERS
Gitwaza
With the Ampersand
e-moto, maintenance costs are lower as we don’t need chain and oil which cost a lot. Now I benefit more from my income and I am able to start saving.
Rukundo
Working with Ampersand is a great opportunity for me as apart from their innovation they care about our personal life. They helped us during the lock-down and are flexible in terms of contracts.
Etienne
My life has changed and is better than when I had my previous moto. I can save extra money I would have used on fuel. I don’t waste time at the garage anymore. With my previous motorcycle I had to go at least 2 days a week.