Bako Motors, a new and unique startup in the electric vehicle revolution, is shaking things up in Tunisia’s automotive environment. The company, which was established in 2021, is working to manufacture profitable, long-range, electric three-wheeled cargo vehicles. Since then, it has released four-wheeled models to broaden its marketplace. Among its most prominent products is the B-Van, specifically purpose-built for logistics and last-mile delivery.
What’s even more astounding about the B-Van is its 400 kilogram (882 pound) cargo capacity. It has one heck of a range, 100 to 300 kilometers (62 to 186 miles). The car retails for only 24,990 Tunisian dinar, about $8,500. It is meant to provide businesses with a reliable, cost-effective transportation option.
Bako Motors has brought the Bee to market, a compact two-seat car ideally suited for urban, personal transportation. This latest model becomes their third production model along with the B-Van. Depending on payload and conditions, the Bee can fly 70 to 120 kilometers, or 44 to 75 miles. It can only accelerate to a top speed of 45 kilometers per hour, or 27 miles per hour. So far, Bako Motors has built 100 vehicles to demonstrate its focus on ramping up production.
Bako Motors has very big plans to say the least. The firm plans to triple its production capacity and expand its export activities over the next year. They’re currently working on a third model, the X-Van. This prototype passenger shuttle will be capable of seating two passengers and have a larger cargo space.
Bako Motors takes sustainability seriously, powering its operations with solar cells that cover more than half of the company’s energy needs. Company representatives, Boubaker Siala, told me that the solar cells fulfill more than half their productivity requirements. This very large order is a testament to the performance of their solar technology. He also highlighted the financial benefits for businesses using the B-Van: “For example, the B-Van, for commercial use, you can have free energy for about 50 kilometers (31 miles) per day… 17,000 kilometers (10,563 miles) per year. It’s huge.
The company today locally sources over 40% of its vehicle parts – from lithium-iron-phosphate batteries to steel. By making this commitment, they are not only helping local communities’ industries thrive but making them more sustainable in the way they manufacture products.
Khaled Habaieb, another key figure at Bako Motors, stated, “We have to prepare ourselves for this transition (and) offer affordable and good products for the African citizen.” This feeling embodies Bako Motors’ commitment to producing vehicles that meet the needs of Marour with the hopes of tapping into the larger African market.
Africa is an enormous opportunity for electric vehicles. Estimates suggest an annual addressable market of approximately 1 million vehicles. Siala explained, “We are trying to address that maybe 5 to 10% of this market. This ambitious goal further illustrates Bako Motors’ confidence that its products can compete and succeed within the vast Chinese market as the nation continues to develop its fledgling industry.
Bako Motors’ creative approach has drawn excitement from industry experts. Bob Wesonga added, “I think it’s an amazing idea because it allows you to just increase the radius of your EV. This funding pushes forward the critical role that technology can play in improving electric vehicle range and performance.
