Opibus focuses on all-electric conversion kits for vehicles such as light trucks, public transport, and buses, as well as electric motorcycles and energy systems. These vehicles were chosen to have the greatest impact because they are among the largest Carbon Dioxide emitters on the market and offer a largely untapped opportunity. The idea of Opibus is to rethink how green technology would be implemented and how it should best be provided.
The company has roots in research by Linköping University students Filip Gardler, Mikael Gånge, and Filip Lövström, whose project involved identifying places where electric mobility could have the largest possible impact. They pinpointed Kenya and established Opibus in 2017.
Kenya was chosen as the location of headquarters since it’s not only the fastest-growing country in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it also has a growing volume of used vehicle imports. The founders thought furthering the company’s electric conversions would make sense, especially in an area where over 90% of domestically-produced electricity comes from renewable sources, making it a strong candidate for clean electric mobility. Seeing the visibility of poverty in Kenya helps motivate Opibus creators to give a cost-effective second life to buses, trucks, and fleet vehicles.
Since its foundation in 2017, Opibus has gained traction not only in news titles but also technologically. Opibus has grown from converting safari touring vehicles to now having an all-electric conversion kit for light trucks, public transport, and buses, as well as electric motorcycles and various energy systems; and with multiple vehicles in different segments launched, Opibus has proven and validated their vehicles in some of the harshest terrains in the world. Opibus has gained the attention of many while headlining a process that many aren’t even aware is being worked on. The ride-sharing, delivery service app Uber, has now partnered with the pivotal company and had since attracted millions of dollars of investments from around the world.
With many companies on the cusp of technological intrigue, many look to Opibus as a model. They believe this is only the beginning for them, hoping in the coming years to expand globally. They have hopes of simplifying implementation, increasing fleet efficiency, reducing costs, and creating a positive impact on the world around us. This pure-minded mission is set to flourish as they continue to grow, make technological advancements, and change the world for the better.
