A major step toward sustainable transport has been recorded in Kenya following the delivery of the country’s first corporate fleet of BYD plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), signalling growing private sector commitment to green mobility solutions.
First Corporate Deployment of BYD Plug-in Hybrids
BYD by CFAO Mobility Kenya has handed over a fleet of five plug-in hybrid vehicles to Avenue Lease & Rentals E.A, which will lease the units to SBM Bank Kenya. The fleet includes one BYD Shark 6 (DMO plug-in hybrid pickup) and four BYD Sealion 6 (DM-i plug-in hybrid SUVs).
This marks the first significant corporate deployment of these specific BYD models in Kenya, reflecting increasing demand for hybrid solutions within fleet operations.
Corporate Kenya Embraces Sustainable Mobility
Speaking during the handover, BYD by CFAO Mobility Kenya General Manager Nicolas Ruffier des Aimes praised the growing adoption of new energy vehicles (NEVs) by corporate institutions.
He noted that the partnership underscores a broader shift toward cleaner, safer transport solutions, adding that BYD remains committed to supporting Kenya’s transition to sustainable mobility.
SBM Bank Kenya CEO Bhartesh Shah emphasised the bank’s commitment to reducing emissions through greener logistics.
“The introduction of BYD’s advanced hybrid technology allows us to modernise our logistics while significantly cutting down our CO2 emissions,” he said.
Leasing Model Eases Transition to E-Mobility
Avenue Lease & Rentals E.A highlighted leasing as a strategic enabler of e-mobility adoption, allowing companies to transition without heavy upfront capital investment.
The firm’s Chief Operating Officer noted that plug-in hybrid leasing offers immediate environmental benefits, including reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions, and improved operational efficiency.
Supporting Kenya’s Climate Goals
The shift aligns with Kenya’s national climate action plan, which targets a 32 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. Increased adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles is seen as a key pillar in achieving this goal.
BYD vehicles are gaining traction in the Kenyan market due to their energy efficiency, extended driving range, and modern safety features, positioning them as a preferred choice for environmentally conscious consumers and businesses.
Foundation for Future EV Ecosystem
Looking ahead, Avenue Lease & Rentals E.A says the partnership lays the groundwork for expanded electric vehicle adoption, including future fleet transactions and the development of supporting infrastructure such as charging solutions and fleet management systems.
The company aims to build a sustainable leasing ecosystem that will accelerate Kenya’s transition to clean mobility while delivering long-term value to corporate clients.
The collaboration between SBM Bank, Avenue Lease & Rentals, and BYD by CFAO Mobility Kenya highlights a growing momentum in Kenya’s green transport agenda, with corporates playing an increasingly central role in driving the shift toward low-emission mobility solutions.