Firm invests K15bn in electric vehicle technology

Sky Energy Africa has invested K15 billion in interlinked electric vehicle (EV) technologies to ensure seamless mobility amid persistent fuel shortages with at least 100 taxis in the country’s cities by December.

The Malawian-owned renewable energy technology company, which introduced EVs in Malawi in 2023, on Friday evening celebrated its 10th anniversary by unveiling three interconnected technological solutions, namely an initial fleet of 100 Geely EX2 EVs, a nationwide network of 40 public EV charging stations and Sky Ride—a digital mobility and fleet management platform designed to revolutionise passenger transportation.

Some of the EVs on display after the launch. | Redlink Media

Speaking during the launch at Malawi Square in Umodzi Park in Lilongwe, Sky Energy Africa founder and managing director Schizzo Thomson said the initiative represents the next phase of the company’s long-term vision to accelerate Malawi’s transition towards sustainable energy and transportation.

He said: “When we introduced electric vehicles in Malawi in 2023, we were not simply introducing another type of car. We were introducing a new way of thinking about energy, transportation and the future of our economy.

“Today, we are taking that vision further by building an integrated ecosystem where electric vehicles, charging infrastructure and digital technology operate together to provide a reliable, affordable and sustainable transportation alternative.”

Thomson said unlike conventional EVs initiatives that focus solely on vehicle sales, Sky Energy Africa is developing an entire technology-driven mobility ecosystem that integrates vehicles, energy infrastructure, digital payments, real-time monitoring and intelligent fleet management into one interconnected platform.

The development comes at a critical time when motorists across Malawi have endured lengthy queues at filling stations, with some spending nights waiting for fuel amid persistent supply disruptions.

Thomson said the demonstration was intended to give the public first-hand experience of the vehicles and appreciate their potential as an alternative mode of transport.

“I think this is a game changer, we expect the project to start serving Malawians by December this year,” he said. “We are committed to serve Malawians. This is very important considering that people are facing serious fuel challenges. This is a forward looking project for the next generation.”

Through the investment, Sky Energy says the technologies creating about 300 jobs while helping the country to cut on the fuel foreign exchange bill and fossil fuel emissions that cause climate change.

In a presentation during the launch, Sky Energy Africa business development director Hastings Golosi said depending on the vehicle’s battery capacity, charging power and state of charge, compatible fast chargers can replenish a substantial portion of an EV battery in approximately 30 minutes.

He said the infrastructure will be supported by a centralised digital charging management platform capable of monitoring charger availability, energy consumption, charging sessions, operational status and system performance.

“Now, you don’t have to worry about fuel shortages, Sky Ride is here to serve you,” said Golosi.

Unpacking the Sky Ride, modelled along the lines of Uber complete with a hailing app, he said the technology-driven electric mobility application is designed to connect passengers, drivers, fleet operators and businesses through a unified digital platform.

Environmental Advocate and Malawi 2063 Environmental Sustainability Champion Matthews Malata welcomed the development saying it will help in reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

“The launch of an e-mobility ecosystem is timely for Malawi. With persistent fuel shortages linked partly to foreign exchange constraints, electric mobility offers an opportunity to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, ease pressure on forex, and cut transport emissions,” he said.

Coordination Union for the Rehabilitation of the Environment (Cure) executive director Charles Mkoka said the country’s now perennial fuel shortages demonstrate the economic risks of relying on fossil fuels.

Patrons expressed excitement with the launch of the Sky Ride. They sampled the 41 vehicles on display and went on a parade around Lilongwe City on Saturday morning.

In the first phase of the project, 100 Geely EX2 EVs will officially hit the roads on December 1 2026 to support urban and intercity mobility services in Blantyre, Lilongwe, Mzuzu, Zomba and Mangochi. The company said the rate is K900 per kilometre and customers can share a ride and costs to various places.

The Geely EX2 is a compact, fully electric passenger vehicle designed for efficient urban transportation, with an electric drivetrain that eliminates the need for petrol or diesel. Unlike conventional vehicles, the EVs operate without tailpipe emissions and require fewer routine mechanical maintenance procedures because they have fewer moving parts in their propulsion systems.

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