TVS Motor Company has officially entered Africa’s electric vehicle market with the launch of its premium electric scooter, the TVS iQube, in Kenya. The move marks a significant expansion of the Indian two-wheeler maker’s global EV strategy. It makes TVS the first Indian original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to introduce a premium electric scooter in Africa. TVS Motor enters Africa’s EV market
TVS iQube launched in Kenya with local partner
The Kenya launch has been supported by Car & General, TVS Motor’s long-standing partner with more than two decades of presence in the country. The company will manage the iQube’s distribution, sales and after-sales service operations in Kenya.
The move comes as Africa’s two-wheeler market enters a period of strong growth. According to Car & General CEO Vijay Gidoomal, the continent’s overall two-wheeler market is expected to grow at a 7% to 10% CAGR through 2030, while the electric two-wheeler segment could expand much faster at 15% to 25% CAGR during the same period.
Although EV penetration remains relatively low, rising fuel prices and the potential for lower ownership costs are creating opportunities for electric mobility.
Two battery options for urban commuters
The TVS iQube 2.2 and iQube 3.5 variants will cater to different urban commuting requirements.
The iQube 2.2 features a 2.2 kWh battery and a claimed range of 75 km, while the iQube 3.5 gets a larger 3.5 kWh battery with a claimed range of 115 km. Both versions can reach a top speed of up to 82 km/h.
Using a 950W charger, the 2.2 kWh version takes around two hours to charge from 0% to 80%, while the 3.5 kWh model requires approximately 2 hours 55 minutes.
Performance and smart technology
Both variants use a 4.6 kW hub-mounted electric motor producing 140 Nm of peak torque. The scooter can accelerate from 0 to 40 km/h in 4.2 seconds.
Features include a 5-inch digital instrument cluster, forward and reverse parking assist and an IP67-rated battery protection system. TVS SMARTXONNECT adds connected functions such as turn-by-turn navigation, geofencing, anti-theft alerts, ride analytics and crash/fall notifications.
Lower running costs strengthen EV appeal
TVS Motor enters Africa’s EV market at a time when operating costs are becoming increasingly important for two-wheeler buyers. Local estimates suggest Kenyan users could save approximately KSh 47,000 annually in energy and maintenance costs compared with a conventional 125cc petrol scooter.
The iQube’s global track record also strengthens TVS Motor’s case. The electric scooter ecosystem has surpassed one million customers worldwide, with riders collectively covering more than 17.8 billion kilometres since its introduction.
TVS expands its global EV ambitions
TVS Motor enters Africa’s EV market as part of its wider plan to expand its electric portfolio internationally while leveraging its established presence in Africa’s conventional two-wheeler segment.
Madhu Prakash Singh, Vice President, International Business, TVS Motor Company, said rising fuel prices are strengthening the case for electric mobility. He highlighted the iQube’s lower running costs and its ability to offer consumers more choices across different mobility needs.
With Africa’s electric two-wheeler market expected to grow significantly faster than the broader segment, TVS Motor enters Africa’s EV market with the iQube at a potentially important turning point for the continent’s transition toward cleaner urban transportation.
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