New tech and trends are emerging in auto manufacturing, as well as the world of transportation at large. Self-driving cars, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and new mobility solutions are transforming the future of driving. On an even more local level, innovation is booming in the car manufacturing sector in Africa as well: Several car manufacturers have recently been established on the continent, bringing with them new ideas and ways of thinking about car production. These companies are producing distinctive cars that showcase African engineering and design talent. From Kenya to South Africa and everything in between, these are some of the coolest cars made in Africa.
Kenya: Kibii and the Kibi VR2
The Kibi VR2 is a sleek and stylish electric 2-door sports car produced by Kibii Motors in Kenya. With its rapid acceleration, 0-100 km/h in 10 seconds, and a maximum speed of 160 km/h, the Kibi is a powerful electric car that is suited to both urban and inter-city driving. The Kibi VR2 comes with a 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth that lets users access the internet, play music, make and receive calls, and take pictures. The car also has satellite navigation, a reverse camera, and a lane departure warning. The Kibi VR2 is a powerful car that showcases African engineering talent. Its design is sleek, with futuristic details such as the carbon-fiber front and rear bumpers and the central console. The Kibi VR2 is a head-turning car that is fun to drive, with instant acceleration and a maximum speed of 160 km/h. The Kibi VR2 is currently in production, and the company is aiming to produce 100 units per year.
South Africa: Tazzari TZ-200 and the Tazzari ZeroEmission
The Tazzari TZ-200 is a fully electric 4-door sedan produced by Tazzari South Africa, a company based in Johannesburg. The Tazzari ZeroEmission (or TZ-E) is an electric car sharing the same design as the TZ-200 but with different hardware and software to accommodate the different needs of public transportation. The TZ-E is equipped with a 35 kWh battery that can travel up to 200 kilometers on a single charge. It also includes a 9-inch touchscreen with an internet connection and GPS, a WiFi hotspot, and a full cabin computer system. The TZ-E uses the Autonomous Mobility Appliance software for navigation, which is based on open-source, crowd-sourced software. Aiming to become the first electric vehicle manufactured in Africa, the Tazzari TZ-200 and TZ-E are stylish cars that showcase African engineering talent. Their design is futuristic, with sharp lines and elegant blue color. Both cars have an automatic transmission and a low center of gravity, which provides stability and prevents the car from tipping over when turning.
Ethiopia: e.Go And The e. Go Concept Car
e.Go and the e.Go concept cars are fully electric 4-door SUVs produced by Electric Power Cars in Ethiopia. The e.Go and the e.Go concept cars are strong and lightweight SUVs, equipped with a lithium-ion battery that can travel up to 400 km on a single charge. The e.Go is a fully electric SUV capable of seating 4 people, with a 9-inch touchscreen with navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot. The SUV also includes a cabin computer system, a reverse camera, and a lane departure warning. The e.Go concept car is an electric SUV designed to have an autonomous drive system, with an AI computer system that communicates with the driver and other cars on the road. The e.Go concept car is a strong and lightweight SUV, able to seat 4 passengers, with a 15-inch touchscreen with navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a cabin computer system.
Egypt: Arab Contractors’ Scania CK-16E and Scania CK-16AD
Arab Contractors Manufacturing Company’s (ACM) Scania CK-16E and Scania CK-16AD are heavy-duty dump trucks produced in Egypt. The CK-16E is a high-end dump truck with a Cummins engine, an AC computer system (with embedded SCADA), and an AC electrical system. The CK-16E has a 16-ton payload and a 400 km range. The CK-16AD is a high-end dump truck with the same Cummins engine and AC electric system as the CK-16E, but with a 16-ton payload and 500 km range. The CK-16E and CK-16AD dump trucks showcase Egyptian engineering and design talent, with their strong, sturdy, and durable design. The Scania CK-16E and CK-16AD are distinguishable from other heavy-duty dump trucks with their bright orange color and AC computer system with a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system that manages the engine’s parameters and the truck’s fuel consumption.
Nigeria: Yanco and The YANCO UV-III
Yanco and the YANCO UV-III are heavy-duty dump trucks produced by Yanco Motors Ltd. in Nigeria. Yanco is a strong and durable dump truck with a Cummins engine and AC electric system. Yanco has a 16-ton payload and a 400 km range. The YANCO UV-III is a heavy-duty dump truck with the same Cummins engine and AC electric system as the Yanco, but with a 22-ton payload and 500 km range. The Yanco and the YANCO UV-III dump trucks showcase African engineering and design talent, with their strong, sturdy, and durable design. The Yanco and UV-III are distinguishable from other heavy-duty dump trucks with their red color and Cummins engine.
Conclusion
New tech and trends are emerging in auto manufacturing, as well as the world of transportation at large. Self-driving cars, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and new mobility solutions are transforming the future of driving. On an even more local level, innovation is booming in the car manufacturing sector in Africa as well. These companies are producing distinctive cars that showcase African engineering and design talent.
