BYD has rolled out a fleet of plug-in hybrid electrical automobiles (PHEVs) to SBM Financial institution Kenya by a leasing association with Avenue Lease & Leases E.A, marking an early company deployment of the fashions within the nation.
The supply, facilitated by CFAO Mobility’s Kenyan unit, contains 5 automobiles: one BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid pickup and 4 BYD Sealion 6 plug-in hybrid sport utility automobiles.
The transfer underscores rising curiosity amongst Kenyan corporates in lower-emission transport choices, because the nation’s electrical mobility sector expands quickly.
Kenya had greater than 24,700 electrical automobiles registered by early 2026, representing a 31-fold improve from 2022 ranges and a 47% rise in simply 18 months, in accordance with business information.
Electrical energy consumption linked to EV charging has additionally surged, rising to eight.43 million kWh in 2025 from 2.92 million kWh in 2024, reflecting accelerating adoption.
“Because the pioneer in new power automobiles, BYD is happy to see this partnership take form in Kenya,” stated Nicolas Ruffier des Aimes throughout the handover ceremony, including that hybrid know-how presents a sensible path towards cleaner mobility.
SBM Financial institution Kenya Chief Government Bhartesh Shah stated the deployment aligns with the lender’s efforts to cut back its environmental footprint whereas sustaining operational effectivity.
“The introduction of plug-in hybrid automobiles permits us to modernise our fleet and considerably lower emissions,” Shah stated.
Plug-in hybrid automobiles mix electrical propulsion with inside combustion engines, enabling decrease gasoline consumption with out relying totally on charging infrastructure—a bonus in rising markets the place charging networks are nonetheless creating.
Trade estimates present EVs could be as much as eight instances cheaper to function than standard petrol or diesel automobiles in Kenya, pushed by decrease power and upkeep prices.
Avenue Lease & Leases E.A stated leasing offers organisations with a lower-cost entry into cleaner mobility by eradicating the necessity for big upfront capital funding.
The corporate added that hybrid fleets can ship rapid emissions reductions whereas permitting a gradual transition to completely electrical automobiles over time.
Kenya is focusing on a 32% discount in carbon emissions by 2030, with transport recognized as a key sector for decarbonisation. The federal government can also be pushing insurance policies to speed up adoption, together with tax incentives and a goal to extend the share of electrical mobility within the nationwide fleet.
The partnership is anticipated to open the door for additional fleet deployments and the growth of supporting companies similar to charging infrastructure, fleet administration and lifecycle optimisation.
