Kenya Imposes New Standards for Used Electric Vehicle Imports
In a move towards ensuring the quality of imported goods, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has recently issued a directive that might reshape the emerging landscape of the electric vehicle (EV) market in Kenya. The announcement, made on Monday, February 19, imposes a ban on the importation of used electric vehicles with battery life below 80 per cent.
Esther Ngari, the Managing Director of KEBS, conveyed the agency's commitment to uphold the standards of imported goods through this directive. In alignment with Legal Notice No.78 of 28th April 2020, which outlines the Verification of Conformity to Kenya Standards of Imports Order, the notice states, "all used / second-hand electric motor vehicles must have battery life not less than 80% to be allowed for importation into the country."
Moreover, Ngari specified that used electric motor vehicles from key exporting countries, including Japan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Thailand, Singapore, South Africa, and the UK, will be subjected to mandatory pre-inspection by Quality Inspection Services Inc. (QISJ), the KEBS-appointed inspection agent for motor vehicles.
A 2017 electric vehicle with low kilometers may be just fine to import
This move comes at a time when Kenya has witnessed an increase in the importation of electric vehicles, aligning with global calls for a transition to eco-friendly transportation methods. Climate change advocates have been urging individuals to embrace electric cars due to their environmental benefits, including zero tailpipe emissions that contribute to reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Expected Battery Life of Electric Vehicles: A Crucial Component in Sustainability
The KEBS directive raises questions about the battery life of electric vehicles, a critical aspect in their overall sustainability. The expected battery life of EVs is influenced by various factors, ranging from the type of battery used to driving conditions and maintenance practices.
Lithium-ion batteries, the predominant choice in electric vehicles, typically boast a lifespan of 8 to 15 years. However, this longevity is subject to nuances. Factors such as temperature, charging and discharging patterns, and overall vehicle usage can impact the rate of battery degradation.
To ensure consumer confidence, manufacturers often provide warranties for EV batteries. These warranties guarantee that the battery will retain a specified capacity, usually 70-80% of its original capacity, after a certain duration or mileage, such as 8 years or 160,000 km.
Thankfully, this data indicates that the announcement from KEBS might not have a great impact on choice of electric vehicles that can be imported because:
the maximum age of vehicle import into Kenya is 8 years or younger;
electric vehicles are expected to retain upto 80% of their capacity after a period of 8 years.
As an example, this means that a 6 or 7 year old electric car with 75,000 km on the odometer is likely to have above 80% of its original battery capacity and will be fine to import. This will obviously depend on the specific electric vehicle in question. Maintaining the health of an electric vehicle's battery requires adherence to recommended practices. This includes avoiding deep discharges, preventing exposure to extreme temperatures, and following charging guidelines. Regular maintenance practices contribute significantly to extending the battery life of electric vehicles.
As technology continues to advance, the future looks promising for electric vehicle batteries. Ongoing research and improvements in battery chemistry and engineering are expected to enhance durability and extend the lifespan of electric vehicle batteries, reinforcing the long-term sustainability of electric mobility.