BasiGo deploys 18 new intercity e-buses as Rwanda fleet grows to 52 vehicles

BasiGo has expanded its electric bus fleet in Rwanda to 52 vehicles following the delivery of 18 new intercity electric coaches. The vehicles, as clarified by the pictures, are sourced from Higer.

BasiGo has announced via Linkedin the arrival of 18 new i8 Intercity Coaches in Rwanda, increasing its local electric bus fleet to a total of 52 vehicles. The new buses are intended for long-distance passenger services, extending the company’s electric mobility operations beyond urban routes into Rwanda’s intercity transport network.

Based in Kenya, BasiGo was awarded $6.6 million funding to bring e-buses to the country in 2022. The company operates a Pay-As-You-Drive model that allows owners to purchase an electric bus for a similar upfront cost to a diesel bus. 28 e-buses had been already supplied in Rwanda in early 2025, within the framework of a 100-units order. In late 2025 BasiGo expanded charging network with three new locations in Nairobi (Kenya) and a service center.

BasiGo deploys 18 new intercity electric coaches

The newly delivered i8 Intercity Coaches are equipped with CATL battery packs offering a stated driving range of up to 350 kilometres per charge. According to BasiGo, the vehicles will operate on routes linking Kigali with Musanze, Rubavu, Huye, Rusizi, Nyagatare and other destinations across the country.

In brief

• How many electric buses does BasiGo now operate in Rwanda? The company states that its Rwandan fleet has grown to 52 electric buses.
• How many new vehicles have been delivered? BasiGo has added 18 new i8 Intercity Coaches.
• What battery technology do the coaches use? The coaches are equipped with CATL battery packs with a stated range of up to 350 km.
• Which routes will the new buses serve? They will operate from Kigali to destinations including Musanze, Rubavu, Huye, Rusizi and Nyagatare.

The fleet expansion increases BasiGo’s electric bus operations in Rwanda to 52 vehicles and marks the company’s latest deployment in the East African market.

BasiGo reports that one of the new i8 intercity coaches completed a return journey between Kigali and Rusizi—the country’s westernmost district—on a single battery charge.

BasiGo i8 coach specifications

The newly deployed vehicles are BasiGo’s 8.2-metre i8 Intercity Coaches, provided by Higer and available in 35-seat and 42-seat configurations. They are equipped with CATL battery packs providing a stated driving range of up to 350 kilometres on a single charge. According to BasiGo, the battery system is backed by a 10-year or one million kilometre warranty and can be recharged in approximately 1.5 hours using the company’s 200 kW DC fast charging infrastructure.

The coaches are designed for long-distance services and feature reclining seats with additional legroom, USB charging ports, seatbelts, Wi-Fi connectivity and onboard television screens. The passenger compartment incorporates an anti-slip, leather-trimmed and flame-retardant bamboo-woven floor. Storage capacity includes overhead luggage racks together with a dedicated underfloor cargo compartment with up to 2.5 tonnes of capacity.