Building Africa’s Climate Ventures: Ehu Motors

Note on terminology: In many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, the term “rider” commonly refers to the person operating the motorcycle, not the passenger. Throughout this article, “rider” is used in that local context.

Transport is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in Benin, accounting for nearly 77% of the country’s energy-related CO₂ emissions. In 2023, emissions from transport alone were estimated at over 6.4 million tonnes, a figure that shows both the scale of the problem and the urgency of change. These emissions directly impact urban air quality, contributing to rising cases of respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, with motorbike riders themselves among the most affected. Studies have found that motorcycle taxi riders in Cotonou are regularly exposed to carbon monoxide levels well above international safety thresholds. One cross-sectional survey of 400 riders reported peak concentrations of 38.6 ppm in the morning and 78.6 ppm in the afternoon, far exceeding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 8-hour standard of 9 ppm. The researchers concluded that the relatively long duration of exposure to automobile pollutants may cause respiratory problems among motorcycle riders.

The financial burden on riders is equally heavy. Commercial motorbike operators often run on thin margins, spending large portions of their income on fuel and regular maintenance. To make matters worse, much of the petrol in circulation is contraband, cheaper at the point of purchase but damaging engines, worsening pollution, and depriving the state of tax revenue. As costs climb and health risks grow, the sustainability of the current two-wheel transport system is becoming untenable.

Against this backdrop, the government is pushing for cleaner mobility through initiatives like the Grand Nokoué Sustainable Urban Mobility Project, supported by the World Bank. This project is designed to modernize transport across five local administrative regions in Benin, with explicit support for electric motorcycles and the development of a local e-mobility sector. But infrastructure, financing, and technology continue to lag demand. Many riders still lack access to reliable charging, and the upfront cost of electric motorcycles remains high compared to petrol bikes. It is in this challenging landscape that Ehu Motors has emerged as an electric motorcycle provider and ecosystem builder to bridge product, infrastructure, and financing to make clean, affordable mobility possible in Benin.

Ehu Motors is an electric mobility company based in Cotonou, Benin, selling affordable, locally adapted electric motorcycles. Founded in 2020, Ehu Motors has built an ecosystem that combines the sale of electric bikes, fast-charging infrastructure, and inclusive financing solutions. The motorcycles are built with durable designs, specifically adapted to withstand Benin’s tough roads. Its primary customers are zemidjan (motorcycle riders), who represent one of the largest informal sectors in the country, as well as delivery riders, private riders, and business fleets.

Ehu Motors strives to be Benin’s most successful e-mobility company. To support its growth, Persistent has been working with Ehu Motors through GET.invest Finance Readiness Support  which is co-funded by the European Union, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Austria to mobilize clean energy investment. The GET.invest Finance Readiness Support enables locally-owned and managed clean energy businesses to access finance. Launched in 2021, the service provides early-stage, micro, small, and medium-sized energy companies in sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific with hands-on, in-depth business development support and coaching along their finance access journey.

The service is implemented by eight leading advisory firms. As one of GET.invest’s advisory firms, Persistent is working with Ehu Motors on its financial planning, investment readiness, and connecting with potential investors.

Here’s a closer look at Ehu Motors’ journey

• Durable electric motorcycles
  Ehu’s motorcycles are designed specifically for Benin’s demanding road conditions. Built with strong frames, they reach speeds of 80–85 km/h and offer a minimum 100 km range on a single charge. The company has developed models suited to the varied needs of commercial riders to ensure that performance matches the realities of long hours and heavy daily use.
• Fast-charging network
  While much of Africa’s e-mobility sector has leaned on battery-swapping, Ehu Motors chose a different path. Its model gives riders full ownership of their battery and the freedom to charge wherever charging stations are available. Every motorcycle comes with a self-charger, so riders can plug in at home overnight, drawing from their regular electricity supply for about 700 FCFA ($1.10) per full charge, enough for 130 km of range. For riders who need speed and convenience, Ehu Motors’ growing network of fast-charging stations, currently about 8, with plans to expand to 20, can power a battery from 20 to 80% in just 25–30 minutes at a cost of less than 1,000 FCFA ($1.60) for more than 100 km. Each battery is built to last 2,000–3,000 charging cycles or 4-6 years, depending on how intensively it’s used. When a battery reaches the end of its life, Ehu Motors buys it back for recycling, reducing replacement costs and environmental impact.
• Flexible financing through partnerships
  Affordability has been one of the greatest barriers to electric mobility in Benin, especially for informal workers.  While e-motorcycles are less expensive over their entire lives than internal combustion engine motorcycles, up-front purchase prices can be higher. To overcome this, Ehu Motors partners with banks and microfinance institutions such as Coris Bank to offer flexible repayment terms. Riders can choose daily, weekly, or monthly payment schedules spread over 2–2.5 years, making ownership possible for people traditionally excluded from credit. This approach not only supports taxi riders but also salaried workers, small business owners, and delivery operators who want to transition to clean mobility.

The combination of robust motorcycles, fast-charging freedom, and inclusive financing has quickly gained traction. When compared to petrol, on which riders typically spend 2,300 to 3,000 FCFA ( $3.70–$4.80) per day, the savings are significant. With Ehu Motors, most spend between 800 and 1,500 FCFA ($1.30–$2.40) daily on electricity. That means riders save about 1,000 to 1,600 FCFA ($1.60–$2.60) every single day. In practice, the motorcycle pays for itself in roughly a year, after which the additional income goes straight into the rider’s pocket.

The impact of Ehu Motors’ solution is already visible on the ground. The shift by riders from petrol to electric motorcycles translates into immediate savings on energy costs. On average, Ehu riders are saving 25–50% of their daily energy expenses. As one rider put it: “Before, half of my earnings went into petrol. With Ehu, I keep more for my children.”

Each Ehu motorcycle avoids an average of 3 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year, helping to cut Benin’s transport-related emissions. If the company delivers on its near-term target of 2,500 motorcycles by 2027, this would prevent approximately 7,500 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

There are also ripple effects across society. In Benin, one rider often supports an entire household, so improved earnings translate into better access to food, education, and healthcare for families. Businesses are also beginning to take notice, with logistics and delivery companies exploring Ehu’s motorcycles as part of their fleet operations.

Speaking about Ehu Motors’ early traction, Edwin Olympio, Head of Product and Commercial Director highlighted the strong trust building among riders: “We already have letters of intent for 2,500 motorcycles with rider associations, and a waiting list of 1,000 drivers”

Scaling an electric mobility company in a market like Benin requires more than just a strong product. It demands investor-ready business models, credible financial planning, and trusted connections to financiers and regulators. That’s where Persistent, in collaboration with the GET.Invest Readiness Support Service, has played a pivotal role in Ehu Motors’ journey.

The Persistent GET.invest Finance Readiness Support team has worked closely with Ehu Motors since late 2024 to refine its financial projections, go-to-market strategy, and fundraising. This included improving the company’s development of financial models, developing professional investor materials, and helping Ehu sharpen the way it presents its story to potential investors. Persistent also supported the team in structuring a clear fundraising roadmap, including the development of essential documentation to guide and strengthen their efforts with potential investors and partners.

As Edwin explained, the support went beyond spreadsheets and pitch decks; it was also about motivation, confidence, and having experienced partners to lean on while navigating new challenges. “From financial planning, fundraising, marketing, and strategic positioning, GET.invest through the Persistent team has been an integral part of our story so far.”

Maxime, on the other hand, brings deep project management and renewable energy experience, having previously led major solar projects in Benin. From the outset, Ehu Motors has combined expertise across finance, engineering, operations, and sustainability to develop electric motorcycles adapted to West African realities. Today, with a team that is 85% Beninese and growing, Ehu Motors operates under strong local leadership in Cotonou, managed by Edwin Olympio and Maxime Mensah, and continues to expand its reach across the country. The founding team has since grown into a dedicated group of around 11 professionals with more joining as the company scales.

The next phase for Ehu Motors is about scale, partnerships, and making Benin a leader in clean mobility. A top priority is strengthening the charging network, with plans to expand from 8 to 20 fast-charging stations across the country so that no riders need to worry about where to charge.

Another milestone in the works is the intent to build a local assembly facility. Instead of importing fully finished motorcycles, Ehu Motors will import the key parts and assemble them in Benin. This shift has two major benefits: it will create jobs for local technicians and mechanics, and lower costs by reducing import duties and shipping fees.

Ehu Motors is also focused on securing new investments and partnerships to accelerate growth. Engagements with rider associations, businesses exploring fleet electrification, and financial institutions to lay the foundation for broader adoption.

Edwin recounts, “This journey has not been without challenges. It took years of testing to find motorcycles tough enough for Benin’s rough roads and batteries reliable enough for riders covering up to 250 km a day. Ehu Motors also faced the challenge of rebuilding public confidence in electric mobility, after earlier market experiences with poor-quality models had left many riders uncertain about the technology. At the same time, we worked with financial institutions to design credit models that could truly work for informal workers. Each hurdle has strengthened the company’s foundation, proving both the resilience of our team and the viability of our model. We are now better positioned than ever to scale, attract new investment, and make clean mobility a reality for thousands of riders in Benin and beyond.”