Q&A: Climate leaders with answers

Omondi Isaiah is the Nairobi-based Head of Operations at BILITI Electric , an electric mobility company with a keen interest in tuk tuks.

Q: Why do you think freight EVs are overlooked? A: Buses are easier to market as environmentally friendly due to their visibility in public transportation. Trucks receive less attention and enjoy less hype despite their significant contribution to emissions. Key stakeholders in this space are less conscious of the environmental impact. 

Q: What will the EV lorry space look like in five or ten years? A: I see growth, especially in last-mile logistics. A lot of potential. Investors may take note. 

Q: You’d say that, given who you work for, wouldn’t you? A: Biliti is headquartered in California but originated in India. Initially it was focused on manufacturing three-wheelers. With a shift to EVs, particularly in the cargo sector, the company rebranded itself. 

Q: What’s been challenging? A: The influx of substandard EV imports from China poses a significant threat to the reputation and credibility of EVs in the market. We need stringent regulation to maintain quality standards and consumer trust.

Q: What role does data play at Biliti? A: We are very proactive in gathering data, even analysing social trends. Car and General [a competitor] recently advertised what they called the first Electric 3-Wheeler in Kenya. But we’ve been here for almost three years!